Nigeria closed their African Nations Championship (CHAN 2024) campaign with a 2-0 win over Congo on Tuesday, August 19. Having already been eliminated after losing to Senegal and Sudan, the Super Eagles delivered a strong performance in their final group-stage game. Nigeria netted opening goal in the 55th minute through Anas Yusuf thanks to the assist from Sikiru Alimi who also scored a stooping header in the third minute of stoppage time, cementing the victory before being substituted for Godwin Obaje. The late goal allowed the Super Eagles to end the match confidently. The game saw several disciplinary actions, including a red card for Congo’s Charles Atipo following a VAR review of a foul on Alimi. Congo were unable to respond effectively and finished their CHAN 2024 campaign with two points from three group games. For Nigeria, the result was bittersweet. They delivered their best display of the tournament, but their earlier defeats left them short of qualification. Sudan hold Senegal Sudan and Senegal both advanced to the CHA 2024 quarter-finals after playing out a tense goalless draw at Zanzibar’s Amaan Stadium on Tuesday. The result ensured Sudan topped Group D on goal difference, with holders Senegal progressing in second place. At the same time, Nigeria defeated Congo 2-0 in Dar es Salaam, but the Super Eagles’ late push was not enough to dislodge the two unbeaten sides. The stalemate meant both teams finished level on five points, but Sudan’s superior goal difference (+4 compared to Senegal’s +1) secured them first place. Quarterfinals draw The draw sets up a tantalising last-eight line-up. Sudan will remain in Zanzibar to face Algeria, while Senegal travel to Kampala to meet hosts Uganda, in what promises to be a fiery clash in front of a packed Mandela National Stadium. With all three co-hosts — Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda — already through, and defending champions Senegal still in the mix, the quarter-finals are shaping up to be a festival of football with huge crowds expected.
