Defending champions Senegal began their 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) title defence with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Nigeria’s Super Eagles B in a tense Group D opener at the Amaan Stadium on Tuesday.
The decisive moment came in the 75th minute, when substitute Moctar Koïté broke free down the right flank and squared the ball for Christian Gomis, who calmly finished past goalkeeper Olorunleke Ojo to seal victory for the Teranga Lions.
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Nigeria, returning to the CHAN finals for the first time since 2018, showed promise early on but failed to convert their attacking intent into goals.
Coach Eric Chelle’s side, made up exclusively of players from the domestic league, pressed high and looked to control the midfield through Nduka Junior and Raymond Tochukwu, both of whom were booked for rash challenges in a physical first half.
Senegal, champions of the 2022 edition in Algeria, soaked up Nigeria’s early pressure and gradually grew into the game. Their experience and defensive solidity once again proved crucial, as they extended their impressive CHAN record with a sixth 1-0 win in tournament history.
In stoppage time, Nigeria’s frustrations mounted further as Shola Adelani was penalised for a handball, and the team failed to muster a late equaliser despite a frantic finish.
The defeat leaves Nigeria at the bottom of Group D with zero points, following the earlier 1-1 draw between Congo and Sudan.
Super Eagles B face a must-win clash against Sudan next Tuesday, also at the Amaan Stadium.
Despite the loss, coach Chelle remained optimistic, “We knew this would be a tough group. It’s one game down, two to go; we’ll take each game as it comes.”
