By Njoku Chijioke
Nigeria’s Home Eagles ended their campaign at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), on a positive note, defeating Congo 2-0 in their final Group D match.
Anas Yusuf opened the scoring in the 56th minute, finishing off a cushioned header from Sikiru Alimi, who later doubled Nigeria’s lead with a stoppage-time header.
Congo’s Charles Atipo was shown a red card in added time after a VAR review.
Despite the victory, Nigeria finished third in the group with three points, having lost earlier games to Senegal and Sudan.
The result meant the Home Eagles were already eliminated, as Sudan and Senegal advanced to the quarter-finals after a goalless draw.
Head coach Eric Chelle admitted that costly mistakes in the opening matches undermined Nigeria’s chances of progressing.
However, he described the win against Congo as a morale booster for the players after a difficult tournament.
Former Nigerian international, Friday Ekpo, praised the team’s improved performance, urging them to build on the positives as they look ahead to future competitions.
