Nigeria’s Super Eagles B threw away a two-goal advantage to draw 2-2 with Zanzibar in their final warm-up match ahead of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
Playing at the Mau Stadium in Zanzibar, the Nigerian side looked on course for victory after racing into a 2-0 lead before the break.
Nasarawa United’s Anas Yusuf broke the deadlock, while Adedayo Olamilekan of Remo Stars added a second to give Nigeria a firm grip on proceedings.
The match marked the team’s second and final preparatory outing against Zanzibar, following a goalless stalemate on Monday.
Coach Eric Chelle rang the changes in the starting lineup, bringing in Akanni Kudus, Egbe Manyo, Malik Jabbar, Vincent Temitope, and goalscorer Anas Yusuf as he continued to evaluate his squad.
However, the second half told a different story. Chelle introduced the entire bench in a bid to give all players minutes, but the rhythm dropped significantly.
Zanzibar capitalised on Nigeria’s lack of cohesion and defensive lapses to claw back both goals and force a draw.
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With injuries a growing concern just days before the tournament kicks off, Chelle reportedly urged his players to reduce their intensity late in the match to avoid any setbacks.
The Super Eagles B now shift attention to their Group D opener against defending champions Senegal on Tuesday, August 5, at the Amaan Stadium.
They will later face Sudan on August 12 and Congo on August 19, with all matches critical in a tough four-team group the only one of its kind in the 2024 CHAN.
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Nigeria, CHAN silver medallists in 2018 and bronze winners in 2014, are hoping to take a step further in the tournament, which runs from August 2 to 30 across venues in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
