Defending champions Senegal began their title defence at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Nigeria in a tense Group D opener played on Tuesday in Zanzibar, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Christian Gomis netted the decisive goal in the 75th minute, capping off a gritty performance in a game marked by physical battles, disciplined defending, and flashes of attacking promise.
Both countries, giants of African football, went toe-to-toe in an intense contest that rarely dipped in tempo. Nigeria, making their return to the CHAN finals for the first time since 2018, started on the front foot.
Midfielders Nduka Junior and Raymond Tochukwu brought energy and aggression to the early exchanges—both picking up yellow cards as tackles flew in.
Despite Nigeria’s spirited start, it was Senegal who gradually took control. The Teranga Lions looked more composed in possession and absorbed pressure with calm resolve.
Clear-cut chances were scarce in the first half, although Nigeria’s Sikiru Alimi drew a decent save from Senegal goalkeeper Marc Diouf, while Daouda Ba and Moctar Koïté tested the Nigerian defence from range.
The deadlock was finally broken with 15 minutes to go. Koïté burst down the right flank and whipped in a low cross that found Gomis, who slotted home calmly with his left foot, igniting celebrations on the Senegal bench.
Nigeria pushed hard for an equaliser, introducing Vincent Temitope and Godwin Obaje to add attacking threat. Temitope came close late on, narrowly missing the target, while Jabbar Malik and Alimi remained dangerous on set pieces.
Senegal’s backline, led by the solid pairing of Seyni Ndiaye and Joseph Layousse, held firm under pressure, showcasing the defensive steel that has become the team’s trademark.
The second half was frequently disrupted by substitutions and injuries, with seven changes made in total. Tempers flared in stoppage time, and Nigeria’s Shola Adelani was penalised for a handball as frustration mounted.
Despite the defeat, Super Eagles B head coach Éric Chelle remained upbeat, encouraging his team to focus on the matches ahead against Congo and Sudan. “We must take each game as it comes,” he said.
For Senegal, the win continues their strong record against West African rivals in CHAN tournaments and marks their sixth 1-0 victory in competition history—further proof of their defensive discipline and tournament nous.
Head coach Souleymane Diallo, who played down the pressure of defending the title before the game, watched as his side delivered a composed and professional performance.
With the win, Senegal move to the top of Group D, while Nigeria sit bottom after Congo and Sudan played out a 1-1 draw in the group’s other fixture.
Next up for Nigeria is a must-win clash against Sudan on Tuesday next week at the Amaan Stadium.