Nigeria’s campaign at the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 came to an end despite securing a 2–0 win over Congo in Dar es Salaam on Tuesday.
Goals from Anas Yusuf and Sikiru Alimi earned the Super Eagles their first victory of the tournament, but it was not enough to prevent an early exit, as Sudan and Senegal advanced from Group D.
The result offered some consolation for Nigeria after back-to-back defeats in their opening two matches had already placed their qualification hopes in serious jeopardy.
Congo, who needed a win to stay alive, finished bottom of the group and left the pitch visibly devastated.
In the group’s other fixture, played simultaneously in Kampala, Sudan and Senegal played out a goalless draw.
Both sides ended on five points, with Sudan finishing top on superior goal difference, while Nigeria’s three points left them just short of progressing.
Nigeria’s encounter with Congo carried high stakes, with both sides needing victory for survival.
Congo missed their best chances in the first half through Japhet Mankou and Dechan Moussavou, while Nigeria’s Olamilekan Adedayo tested goalkeeper Ulrich Samba.
A controversial moment saw defender Steven Manyo’s yellow card nearly upgraded to red by VAR, but the referee eventually allowed play to continue.
The breakthrough came in the 56th minute when Alimi’s header fell kindly for Anas Yusuf, who slotted home Nigeria’s first goal of the tournament.
The Super Eagles grew in confidence while Congo faltered, struggling to find the cutting edge needed to stay in the contest.
Late drama unfolded in stoppage time as Congo’s Charles Atipo was shown a straight red card after a VAR review.
From the resulting free-kick, Sodiq Ismail floated in a perfect cross for Alimi, who sealed the win with a towering header in the 93rd minute.
Despite the morale-boosting victory, Nigeria’s elimination was confirmed once the stalemate in Kampala ended.
The Super Eagles finished third with three points, ahead of Congo on two, while Sudan and Senegal advanced to the knockout stages.
Coach Eric Chelle admitted before the match that mistakes had haunted his side, and while the result brought some relief, the campaign highlighted Nigeria’s lack of depth and preparation.
A squad stripped of eight key players due to overseas transfers struggled to find consistency, managing only one win from three matches.
For Congo, the disappointment was equally heavy, with just two goals scored across the group stage telling the story of a side unable to convert effort into results.
Nigeria exit the tournament with pride partially restored, but with big questions still to answer about their ability to compete consistently at this level.