National Teams
Nigeria 0-1 Senegal: Late strike sinks Super Eagles in painful CHAN 2024 opener
By Dayo Awoniyi
Defending champions Senegal dealt Nigeria a painful blow in their CHAN 2024 opener on Tuesday, snatching a late 1–0 victory in Group B action at the Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar.
The match-winner came just 15 minutes from time when a swift Senegalese move drew goalkeeper Lawal Mustapha off his line, allowing a simple finish past the stranded shot-stopper. Remarkably, it was Senegal’s only shot on target in the match.
Despite Nigeria’s greater share of possession and territorial control, the Super Eagles B side were repeatedly frustrated by Senegal’s compact and disciplined defence in what was a tightly contested encounter on the Indian Ocean island.
Mustapha made a crucial save in the 21st minute to keep the scores level, reacting well to a threatening cross. The Lions of Teranga nearly opened the scoring again from a free kick in the 33rd minute, but Nigeria’s backline, led by Leonard Ngenge and captain Junior Nduka, held firm.
In midfield, Tochukwu Michael and Olamilekan Adedayo worked tirelessly to create openings, but the Eagles lacked precision in the final third. Senegal almost doubled their lead late on, only for Ngenge and Nduka to produce vital defensive clearances under pressure.
With this defeat, Nigeria sit bottom of Group B with zero points. Congo and Sudan, who earlier played out a 1–1 draw, are ahead on the table.
The Super Eagles will return to action next Tuesday, facing Sudan in a must-win clash, also in Zanzibar, as they aim to keep their tournament hopes alive.
