Senegal 1–0 Nigeria: Super Eagles beaten in CHAN opener despite dominating possession

Nigeria fell 1-0 to Senegal in their opening Group D clash of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) at the Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar on Tuesday.

The Super Eagles enjoyed the lion's share of possession with 58.1 percent, but ultimately came away empty-handed 

The match was tightly contested until the 75th minute when a defensive lapse proved costly for Nigeria. Koité pounced on a loose ball at the edge of the box, beat goalkeeper Mustapha Lawal, and laid it off for Gomis to slot into an empty net, giving Senegal the lead and ultimately, all three points.

Nigeria started with a 4-4-2 formation, with Mustapha Lawal in goal and a backline of Junior Harrison Nduka (captain), Ngengen Leonard, Adedayo Olamilekan, and Akanni Qudus. Jabbar Malik, Ismaila, Taiwo, and Alimi manned the midfield, while Anthony and Ijoma Anthony led the attack.

Before the goal, the Super Eagles had managed to contain Senegal, with neither side creating many clear chances in a match marked by midfield battles and multiple fouls. 

Nigeria showed brief control midway through the second half but failed to convert their limited opportunities.

Following the goal, Nigeria made changes in a bid to respond. Malik, who picked up an injury, and Akanni were replaced by Shola Adelani and Vincent Temitope. 

However, the substitutions failed to shift momentum as Senegal tightened their grip on the game.

The result leaves Nigeria with work to do in their remaining group fixtures, with a must-win clash against Sudan up next. 

Head coach Eric Chelle will need to rally his squad quickly to keep hopes of progression alive in a tough Group D.

The defeat marks a disappointing start for the Super Eagles B, who now face mounting pressure to bounce back in their second group match.

Wale Adejumo

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