The Super Eagles may have ended their campaign on a high, but it was not enough to keep them in the race. Nigeria recorded a 2–0 victory over Congo in their final Group D match at the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 in Dar es Salaam on Tuesday, but the result was only good for pride.
Anas Yusuf finally broke Nigeria’s goal drought in the 56th minute, before Sikiru Alimi doubled the lead with a late header in stoppage time. The win gave Nigeria three points, yet it wasn’t enough as Sudan and Senegal both advanced to the quarter-finals after playing out a goalless draw in Kampala.
For head coach Eric Chelle, the performance was a bittersweet one. Having watched his team concede five unanswered goals in their first two matches, Tuesday’s disciplined showing was a marked improvement. “Mistakes have haunted us,” Chelle admitted before kickoff, but his side responded with their strongest outing of the tournament.
Congo, who also needed a win to stand any chance of progressing, were left to rue wasted opportunities. Their hopes ended completely when Charles Atipo was sent off in added time after a VAR review. Moments later, Alimi’s header sealed their fate.
Despite the win, Nigeria’s campaign was undone by a poor start and the absence of eight key players who had left for overseas transfers before the tournament. Sudan topped Group D with five points and a superior goal difference, while Senegal also finished with five points. Nigeria ended third with three, and Congo last with two.
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Though the Super Eagles will fly back home, there was at least some dignity restored after their earlier struggles. For Sudan and Senegal, the battle continues, both sides carrying unbeaten records and looking dangerous heading into the knockout rounds.
