Nigeria defeated Congo (2-0) on the final day of the first round of the African Nations Championship in Group D. However, this victory was not enough: both nations are leaving the competition, leaving Sudan and Senegal to qualify.
Nigeria salvaged some pride by defeating Congo Brazzaville thanks to goals from Anas Yusuf in the 56th minute and Sikiru Alimi in the 93rd. Solid and focused, the Nigerians managed to find a way through, but their late surge came too late. With two defeats in their previous matches, against Senegal and, more surprisingly, against Sudan, the Super Eagles are out of the competition after the group stage.
We deserved to win this match because we had possession of the ball. We played as we should have. In the first half, we lacked the final pass or the final dribble. In the second half, we were successful.
Eric Chelle, Coach of the Nigerian Super Eagles – Mali
Congo, for its part, failed to reverse the trend. After two draws and a defeat, the Red Devils never found their way to victory. Their journey therefore also ends in the first round, despite some encouraging moments. This defeat against Nigeria seals their fate in a tough group where every point counts.
Today we have a lot of regrets. We played and won this match for honour. The players played this match as if they wanted to prove something. They didn’t want to go back to Nigeria without getting any points. They need to improve. You know, when you play in a tournament, you need to have some experience of it. Senegal showed their experience during our match. They waited for our first mistake and the score went up.
Eric Chelle, Coach of the Nigerian Super Eagles – Mali
In Group D, defending champions Senegal and Sudan ultimately secured their places in the quarter-finals with five points each. Sudan finished top thanks to a positive goal difference (+3) and confirmed their status as the real surprise of the tournament. Senegal, solid but less flamboyant, continues its adventure and will attempt to defend its title with greater rigour in the upcoming matches.
