The Nigerian national team recorded a morale-boosting 2–0 victory over Congo on Wednesday in their final Group D match of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), played at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium in Tanzania. Despite the result, both teams saw their hopes of progressing to the knockout stages come to an end, as earlier group results left them mathematically eliminated.
Nigeria started the game with intensity, determined to salvage some pride after a difficult group campaign. Their attacking approach paid off as they found gaps in Congo’s defense, creating several opportunities throughout the match. The breakthrough came in the second half through Anas Yusuf, when Nigeria capitalized on sustained pressure to put themselves ahead. The decisive moment arrived in stoppage time, as Sikiru Alimi rose highest in the box to head home a pinpoint cross from Sodiq Ismail, sealing the 2–0 scoreline.
Congo, on their part, entered the contest equally eager to finish on a high. They battled hard and created half-chances but lacked the cutting edge needed to trouble Nigeria’s defense. As the match wore on, fatigue and lapses in concentration allowed the Super Eagles to assert control. The Congolese team’s exit was confirmed even before the final whistle, as results elsewhere meant the match was effectively a dead rubber in terms of qualification.
While Nigeria will be pleased to end their campaign with a convincing win, the victory offered little consolation. With just one win in the group stage, it was not enough to overturn earlier disappointments that cost them a place in the next round. Similarly, Congo bow out without tasting victory, their lack of sharpness in front of goal proving costly.
In the end, the result underlined the fine margins of tournament football. Both nations showed flashes of promise but will leave Tanzania reflecting on missed opportunities. For Nigeria, the focus now shifts to rebuilding and preparing for future competitions, while Congo will aim to regroup and bounce back stronger in the continental arena.
