Nigeria finally ended their seven-year winless run at the African Nations Championship (CHAN) after sealing a 2-0 victory over DR Congo in their final Group D clash at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium, Dar es Salaam, on Tuesday evening.
Second-half goals from Anas Yusuf and Sikiru Alimi gave the Super Eagles B a deserved win, although it came too late to rescue their tournament hopes following earlier defeats to Senegal and Sudan.
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How the match unfolded
After a cagey first half, Nigeria took control in the second period. In the 56th minute, Yusuf — last season’s NPFL top scorer with 18 goals — made his mark on his first CHAN start, slotting home from close range after latching onto a headed pass from Alimi
As Congo pushed forward desperately for an equaliser, their hopes were dashed in added time when defender Christ Atipo was sent off in the 90+2 minute.
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Nigeria capitalised almost immediately as Alimi doubled the lead in the 90+3 minute and put the result beyond doubt.
Match Statistics
Nigeria edged possession with 58% and completed 366 passes compared to Congo’s 264.
The Super Eagles B also created more danger, registering 11 shots (three on target) against Congo’s 10 shots — none of which troubled the goalkeeper.
Nigeria’s superiority was further highlighted in set-pieces, winning nine corners compared to Congo’s two.
Congo finished with one red card and one yellow, while Nigeria collected five yellow cards in a physical contest.
What the result means
The win takes Nigeria to three points, as they still finish third in Group D and bow out of CHAN 2024.
DR Congo, two-time former champions, also crashed out after managing just two points from their three group matches as they finish bottom of the log.
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While the result does not alter Nigeria’s elimination, it brings a morale-boosting end to the campaign.
It also snaps a barren run that stretched back to January 2018, the last time Nigeria won a CHAN match.
Looking Ahead
For coach Éric Chelle, the victory offers positives to build on, despite the early exit, as Nigeria now shift focus to the make-or-break September World Cup qualifying matches against Rwanda and South Africa.
