The home-based Super Eagles of Nigeria started their 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) campaign on a disappointing note, falling 1-0 to defending champions Senegal in their Group D opener on Tuesday.
Both teams struggled to establish dominance in the early stages of the match, though Nigeria slightly edged possession statistics. The game's intensity was evident when Tochukwu Michael received the first yellow card just six minutes into the encounter for a rash tackle.
Nigeria's first meaningful attempt came in the 21st minute when Sikiru Alimi managed a shot on target, but his effort was comfortably saved by the Senegalese goalkeeper. The disciplinary issues continued for the Home Eagles as Captain Junior Nduka was also cautioned three minutes later for a rough challenge.
Despite showing more initiative after the break and dominating the early stages of the second half, Nigeria couldn't break through Senegal's resolute defense. The deadlock was eventually broken by the defending champions when Christian Kobi found the net with just 15 minutes remaining, securing all three points for Senegal.
In the other Group D fixture played earlier, Congo and Sudan shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw, leaving Nigeria at the bottom of the group after the first round of matches.
The Home Eagles will now look to bounce back when they face Sudan in their second group game scheduled for next Tuesday at the Amman Stadium in Zanzibar. Coach Chelle's side will need a positive result to keep their hopes of progressing to the knockout stages alive.
Before the match, Captain Nduka had expressed the team's determination to emulate the recent successes of the Super Falcons and D'Tigress, but they'll now need to regroup quickly following this setback against a Senegalese side that approached the game with respect and tactical discipline.
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