Super Eagles B Exit CHAN After Beating Congo 2-0

Nigeria’s Super Eagles B ended their 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) campaign with a defiant 2–0 victory over Congo, a win that restored pride but not their place in the competition.

The result, though commanding, came too late to overturn the damage of earlier defeats, leaving Nigeria stranded in third place in Group D and out of the quarter-finals.

The Goals That Lifted Spirits

Anas Yusuf Breaks the Deadlock
In the 56th minute, debutant Anas Yusuf—rewarded for his fine NPFL form—latched onto a clever nod from Sikiru Alimi to fire home Nigeria’s opener.

Alimi Seals It Late
With Congo reduced to ten men after a VAR-reviewed red card for Charles Atipo, the Super Eagles pounced again. Deep in stoppage time, Sikiru Alimi rose highest to power in a header from Sodiq Ismail’s pinpoint delivery, doubling Nigeria’s lead and confirming their first CHAN win since 2018.

By the Numbers

Nigeria bossed the encounter with 58% possession, sharper passing, and more shots on target. The statistics reflected dominance, but the table told a harsher story: two earlier losses had already sealed their fate.

Why It Wasn’t Enough

A narrow 0–1 defeat to Senegal and a crushing 0–4 loss to Sudan had left Nigeria pointless going into their final game.

Meanwhile, the other Group D clash saw Sudan and Senegal play out a goalless draw, both finishing on five points—enough to advance, while Nigeria’s three points left them watching from the sidelines.

Coaches React

Eric Chelle (Nigeria Coach):
Chelle praised his players for showing character in their final outing, describing the performance as one played “for honour, not fear.” However, he admitted the team was underprepared, with late selections and limited preparation time undermining their tournament hopes.

Barthelemy Ngatsono (Congo Coach):
Ngatsono likened Nigeria to a “wounded lion that roared when it mattered,” conceding that his own side lacked focus and would take lessons from their early exit.

Final Scorecard