By EMMANUEL KUJE, Abuja-
Nigeria’s Super Eagles B secured a 2-0 victory over Congo in their final Group D match of the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN) on Tuesday evening.
The game was held at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, starting at 6:00 p.m. local time.
Despite both teams already being out of contention for the knockout stage due to prior results, the match offered a chance to restore pride and improve their group standings.
The contest was intense from the start, with both sides generating opportunities but failing to score in a tightly contested first half.
Nigeria broke the deadlock in the 57th minute when Anas Yusuf scored the team’s first goal of the tournament, igniting momentum.
Buoyed by the lead, the Super Eagles B pressed forward, exploiting Congo’s defensive mistakes and maintaining pressure.
In the 93rd minute, substitute Alimi Yusuf capitalized on a counterattack to score Nigeria’s second goal, securing a well-earned win.
The late strike dashed Congo’s hopes of a comeback, leaving them at the bottom of Group D with just two points.
For Nigeria, the victory offered some solace. Despite earlier defeats—a 1-0 loss to Senegal and a 4-0 thrashing by hosts Sudan—the win placed them third in the group.
The Super Eagles B had struggled throughout the tournament, with their earlier losses eliminating any chance of advancing.
Head coach Eric Chelle commended his team’s resilience, highlighting their improved performance compared to earlier matches.
Fans in Nigeria had mixed reactions, celebrating the win but expressing frustration over the team’s failure to reach the knockout stage.
Congo showed determination but struggled to convert chances, ending the tournament with two draws and one loss.
Senegal and Sudan progressed to the knockout rounds, while Nigeria and Congo were left to reflect on their early exits.
