Nigeria’s Super Eagles B endured a frustrating start to their 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) campaign, falling 1-0 to defending champions Senegal in a tightly contested Group D opener on Monday, Footynaija.com reports.
Coach Eric Chelle made just one surprise tweak to his starting XI, selecting Shooting Stars goalkeeper Mustapha Lawal ahead of the expected Ozoemena Ani.
Despite the switch, Nigeria held their own for large periods of the game, showing discipline and defensive structure against a star-studded Senegalese side tipped as tournament favourites.
The first half offered little to separate the sides, with both teams registering three shots each. However, Nigeria managed the only effort on target, an early indication of their attacking intent.
After the restart, the Super Eagles B showed more purpose going forward, with Sikiru Alimi leading several promising charges. But the forward failed to apply the cutting edge Nigeria so desperately needed.
The match’s decisive moment arrived midway through the second half. A lapse in communication between defender Ngenge Leonard and goalkeeper Lawal gifted Senegal a golden chance. A lurking Senegalese forward intercepted, squared the ball to Christian Gomis, who calmly tapped into an empty net to hand the Teranga Lions the lead.
Despite a late push, Nigeria couldn’t recover from the setback. The defeat leaves them bottom of Group D, while Senegal climb to the summit. Sudan and Congo occupy joint second after playing out a 1-1 draw earlier in the day.
It was Senegal’s tactical discipline and opportunism that made the difference in an otherwise even contest.