Nigeria bowed out of the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 despite earning a morale-boosting 2-0 victory over Congo in Dar es Salaam on Monday. Goals from Anas Yusuf and Sikiru Alimi sealed the win, but it was not enough to save their campaign as Sudan and Senegal progressed from Group D.
The Super Eagles entered the match under pressure following back-to-back defeats in their opening games, which had left them on the brink of elimination. The result restored some pride for Eric Chelle’s side, but their three points fell short of qualification, as Sudan and Senegal’s 0-0 draw in Kampala ensured both teams advanced with five points each. Sudan topped the group on goal difference, leaving Nigeria in third place ahead of bottom-placed Congo, who managed just two points.
The first half was a tense, physical battle with few clear chances for either side. Congo threatened through Japhet Mankou and Dechan Moussavou, while Nigeria’s Olamilekan Adedayo tested goalkeeper Ulrich Samba. Controversy struck late in the half when Nigerian defender Steven Manyo was initially shown a red card by VAR, only for the referee to reverse the decision after consultation, allowing play to continue.
Nigeria finally broke the deadlock in the 56th minute when Sikiru Alimi nodded the ball into the path of Anas Yusuf, who calmly slotted home the team’s first goal of the tournament. Congo struggled to respond, as their attacking efforts were stifled by Nigeria’s resilient defending.
Tensions escalated in stoppage time when Congo’s Charles Atipo was sent off following a VAR review. From the resulting free-kick, Sodiq Ismail delivered a precise cross for Alimi to head home Nigeria’s second goal in the 93rd minute, sealing the victory.
Despite the win, Nigeria’s early defeats ultimately proved costly, leaving Chelle’s men reflecting on missed opportunities and limited squad depth after losing eight key players before the tournament.
Congo, meanwhile, ended their campaign at the bottom of Group D, struggling to convert chances into goals across three matches. Sudan and Senegal will now advance to the quarter-finals, where they are expected to face tougher tests, while Nigeria head home with pride partially restored but lingering questions over preparation and execution at this level.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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