Senegal opened their 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Nigeria in Group D, thanks to a second-half goal from Christian Gomis at the Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar.
The defending champions were tested by a spirited but blunt Super Eagles B side, who failed to convert their early pressure into goals.
Nigeria dominated the opening phases of the match, pressing high and forcing errors in midfield, but lacked composure in the final third.
Senegal, aiming to become the first nation to retain the CHAN title, absorbed the pressure and struck late through Gomis in the 75th minute. The goal came after substitute Moctar Koïté broke free down the right flank and squared the ball for Gomis, who calmly finished past goalkeeper Olorunleke Ojo. “It was a goal born of precision and timing,” said Senegal coach Souleymane Diallo.
The result places Senegal top of Group D with three points and a clean sheet. The Teranga Lions have now avoided defeat in their last six matches against West African opposition at CHAN, solidifying their status as favourites once again.
Nigeria, returning to the tournament after missing the last two editions, showed flashes of quality, particularly through midfielders Tochukwu Michael and Sodiq Ismail. Tochukwu received an early yellow card for a rash tackle, while captain Junior Nduka was also booked in a physical first half.
However, their wastefulness in front of goal cost them dearly. Substitute Emmanuel Ogbole and striker Chijioke Akuneto both missed late chances to equalise. Sikiru Alimi registered Nigeria’s first shot on target in the 21st minute, but his tame effort was easily saved.
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The defeat means Nigeria must now win their remaining group games against Sudan and Congo to have any chance of advancing to the knockout stages. Congo and Sudan played out a 1-1 draw earlier, leaving Nigeria at the bottom of Group D.
Coach Éric Chelle, who also manages Nigeria’s senior team, 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,” he said in the post-match press conference.
🎥 HIGHLIGHTS: 🇸🇳 1–0 🇳🇬
— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) August 6, 2025
A great finish from Christian Gomis earns Senegal the win over Nigeria! 🤩
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Nigeria’s squad, made up entirely of players from the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), includes familiar faces like Sikiru Alimi, Junior Nduka, and Michael Tochukwu. New talents such as Leonard Ngenge and Shola Adelani also featured, with Adelani penalised for a handball in stoppage time.
What’s Next for the Super Eagles B?
Nigeria will face Sudan next Tuesday at the same venue. A win is crucial to keep their tournament hopes alive. Historically, Nigeria have had mixed results at CHAN—bronze in 2014, runners-up in 2018, and group-stage exits in other editions.
The CHAN tournament, unlike the Africa Cup of Nations, is reserved for players competing in their domestic leagues. This format tests the depth and development of local football systems across Africa.
Senegal, winners of the 2022 edition in Algeria, continue to show defensive resilience. Their sixth 1-0 win in CHAN history highlights their ability to grind out results under pressure.
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