Nigeria’s home-based Super Eagles bowed out of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) on a positive note after sealing a 2-0 victory over Congo in their final Group D fixture on Tuesday night in Dar es Salaam.
Despite already being eliminated following defeats to Sudan and Senegal, Eric Chelle’s men produced their most assured display of the tournament, with second-half goals from Anas Yusuf and Sikiru Alimi restoring some pride to an otherwise disappointing campaign.
With only pride to play for, Nigeria began on the front foot and almost grabbed an early lead inside the opening minute when Yusuf blazed over after a quick counterattack. Winger Taiwo Abdulrafiu also proved a constant menace down the right, his pace forcing the Congolese defence into repeated errors.
Congo, who entered the tie still clinging to slim qualification hopes, rarely threatened. Gosim Elenga went closest with a speculative strike that flew wide, while Nigeria carved out the best chance of the half through Junior Nduka’s powerful header, brilliantly saved by goalkeeper Mouanda Makoso. The game went into the break goalless, the atmosphere inside the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium subdued.
The breakthrough arrived in the 56th minute. Abdulrafiu’s darting run and cross found Alimi, whose knockdown fell kindly for Yusuf to slot into the bottom corner — Nigeria’s first goal of the tournament.
Lifted by the opener, the Super Eagles B grew in confidence, dictating possession and forcing Congo to commit men forward. The Red Devils’ task grew even harder in stoppage time when Charles Atipo was shown a red card after a VAR review for a reckless foul on Nduka.
From the resulting free-kick, Sodiq Ismail delivered a pinpoint cross for Alimi to head home, sealing a deserved 2-0 win.
The result saw Nigeria finish third in Group D with three points, while Congo ended bottom without a point. Sudan and Senegal advanced to the knockout stages after playing out a goalless draw in the group’s other fixture.
For Chelle, the late win at least provided evidence of improvement after lacklustre showings earlier in the competition. His squad, made up entirely of NPFL players, will now return to their domestic clubs ahead of the 2025/26 season kickoff on Friday.
Attention will quickly shift back to the main Super Eagles, who resume their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign in September with crucial fixtures against Rwanda and South Africa.
