Super Eagles B Bow Out with Victory Over Congo in CHAN Group Finale
Nigeria’s Super Eagles B concluded their campaign at the 8th African Nations Championship (CHAN) with a spirited 2-0 victory over Congo at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam on Tuesday. Despite the win, both teams were eliminated from the tournament following earlier group-stage setbacks.
Congo entered the match with hopes of advancing, having secured two points from their opening fixtures, including a hard-fought draw against defending champions Senegal. Nigeria, meanwhile, had already been mathematically ruled out after narrow losses to Senegal and a heavy defeat to Sudan.
The first half offered little in terms of attacking flair, with both sides struggling to create clear chances. Congo nearly capitalized on a defensive error in the 25th minute when Nigeria captain Nduka Junior misplayed a pass, but the Congolese striker failed to convert the opportunity, heading wide under pressure from goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt.
Nigeria emerged from the break with renewed energy and broke the deadlock in the 56th minute. Defender Abdulrafiu Taiwo delivered a precise cross into the box, which was nodded down by Sikiru Alimi for Anas Yusuf to finish clinically.
The Super Eagles B, silver medallists in the 2018 edition, continued to press and were rewarded with a second goal in stoppage time. Alimi, who had assisted the opener, turned scorer with a composed finish to seal the win.
Despite the result, Senegal and Sudan progressed to the quarter-finals from Group D. Nigeria’s delegation is expected to return home on Thursday, with reflections on a campaign that showed flashes of promise but ultimately fell short.
