Nigeria’s Super Eagles B ended their African Nations Championship (CHAN) campaign with a 2-0 victory over Congo at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
Anas Yusuf, the Nigeria Premier Football League’s leading scorer, broke the deadlock in the 56th minute, sweeping home after Alimi Sikiru rose highest to win an aerial duel.
Alimi Sikiru then added a second in stoppage time, heading home Ismalia Sodiq’s cross.
There was a brief scare earlier in the match when Stephen Manyo escaped serious sanction after a VAR review of a reckless challenge, while Congo’s chances of mounting a late response were ended by a red card for Charles Konde in added time.
Despite the win, Nigeria finish third in the group with three points, having lost 1-0 to Senegal in their opening game before a 4-0 defeat to Sudan sealed their early elimination.
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In the group’s other fixture, Sudan and Senegal played out a goalless draw in Dar es Salaam. Sudan advance as group winners with five points, while Senegal progress as runners-up on four.
Elsewhere at CHAN 2024
Nigeria join a growing list of teams to have been eliminated at the group stage. So far, DR Congo, Angola, Zambia, Mauritania, Burkina Faso, Central African Republic, South Africa, Guinea, and Niger have all departed the competition.
The last-eight line-up is already shaping up: Kenya face Madagascar, Tanzania take on Morocco, Uganda meet Senegal, while Sudan go head-to-head with Algeria.
The race for the Golden Boot also remains tight after the group stages.
South Africa’s Thabiso Kutumela, Uganda’s Allan Okello and Morocco’s Omar Lamlioui lead the charts with three goals apiece.
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A chasing pack of players on two goals including Madagascar’s L.C. Rafanomezantsoa, Algeria’s Soufiane Bayazid and Kenya’s Austin Odhiambo will look to catch up in the knockout rounds.
