Nigeria bowed out of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 with a morale-boosting 2-0 win over Congo, but their victory was not enough to salvage a campaign marred by earlier defeats.

The result, secured by goals from Anas Yusuf and Sikiru Alimi, restored some pride for the Super Eagles, who had conceded five goals without reply in their first two matches.

While Nigeria fought for redemption, the decisive Group D clash saw Sudan and Senegal play out a goalless draw in Kampala, a result that saw both nations progress to the quarter-finals.

The stalemate meant both teams finished level on five points, with Sudan topping the group on a superior goal difference.

The match in Dar es Salaam was a battle for dignity. Both sides showed their desperation in a cagey first half, with Congo’s Japhet Mankou and Nigeria’s Olamilekan Adedayo both testing the opposition.

The game finally exploded in the second half when Anas Yusuf broke the deadlock for Nigeria in the 56th minute, registering the Super Eagles’ first goal of the tournament. The relief was palpable for coach Eric Chelle’s men.

The victory was sealed in stoppage time when Sikiru Alimi powered home a header from a pin-point cross by substitute Sodiq Ismail, doubling Nigeria’s lead and ending any lingering hopes for Congo.

The result lifts Nigeria to third in the group standings with three points, ahead of Congo, who finished bottom.

For Nigeria, the win offers a glimmer of hope and a chance to reflect on what could have been. Their failure to collect points earlier in the tournament proved costly, leaving urgent questions about their preparations for future competitions.

Sudan and Senegal, however, march on, ready to test their defensive discipline in the knockout stages.

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