Zanzibar 0 Nigeria 0: Super Eagles settle for goalless draw in pre-CHAN friendly
Published: July 28, 2025
Nigeria’s Super Eagles B were held to a goalless draw by a determined Zanzibar side in an international friendly at the Amaan Stadium, as preparations for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) intensified.
Eric Chelle’s men controlled large spells of the game but were unable to find a breakthrough, despite a dominant midfield display from Michael Tochukwu.
Lining up with Ani Ozoemena in goal and a defensive quartet of Sodiq Ismail, Junior Nduka, Leo Ngenge, and Taiwo Abdulrafiu, Nigeria looked assured at the back. Tochukwu, alongside Harrison Uzondu, Haruna Hadi, and A. Olamilekan, pulled the strings in midfield, while Sikiru Alimi and Anthony Ijoma led the line.
From the outset, Nigeria dictated the tempo. Tochukwu’s sharp passing and calm control in midfield allowed the visitors to sustain pressure, but Zanzibar maintained a tight defensive structure, limiting Nigeria to half-chances.
Ijoma came closest to scoring in the 65th minute with a powerful header that forced a fine reflex save from the Zanzibar goalkeeper.
Zanzibar’s best chance came in the 32nd minute when a quick counterattack was met by a strong save from Ozoemena, who preserved Nigeria’s clean sheet.
Defensively, Abdulrafiu and Ngenge were solid, regularly halting Zanzibar’s forward surges.
Despite increased intensity from Chelle’s men in the second half, Nigeria struggled with decision-making in the final third.
Their youthful squad showed flashes of promise but lacked the cutting edge needed to break down the hosts.
The draw, though frustrating, offered valuable lessons as Nigeria builds chemistry and cohesion ahead of CHAN.
Both sides are set to meet again this week in what promises to be another tactical encounter.
Wale Adejumo
Copyright ANS
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