15yo makes senior debut and four other takeaways from Super Eagles' 2-0 win v Red Devils

The Super Eagles B team wrapped up their 2024 CHAN group campaign in Dar es Salaam with a 2-0 win over Congo's Red Devils on Tuesday evening.

Second-half strikes from Anas Yusuf and Sikiru Alimi handed the Super Eagles redemption after their heavy loss to Sudan.

Allnigeriasoccer.com highlights five observations from the match.

Eric Chelle makes changes against Congo

With Nigeria already eliminated from the tournament, head coach Eric Chelle made four changes to the lineup that lost to Sudan.

Fifteen-year-old Ebenezer Harcourt was handed his debut in goal, replacing Shooting Stars’ Lawal Mustapha.

In defense, Stephen Manyo partnered captain Nduka Junior, while Remo Stars’ Alex Oyowah was introduced in midfield.

Upfront, NPFL top scorer Anas Yusuf joined Sikiru Alimi to lead the Super Eagles’ attack.

Elie Andzouono suffered head injury

AS Otohô striker Elie Andzouono sustained a head injury in the first half after a collision with Super Eagles defender Manyo inside the box.

The 23-year-old, who was attempting to beat Manyo to the ball in the 28th minute, clashed heads with the Nigerian defender and required immediate medical attention.

Despite treatment from the medical team, Andzouono was unable to continue and was substituted before halftime, with Wilfried Nkaya coming on to replace him.

Stephen Manyo lucky to escape red card

Super Eagles defender Stephen Manyo was lucky to avoid a red card in the first half after a challenge on Congo left-back Prince Mouandza Mapata.

Wearing Nigeria’s number six jersey, Manyo slid in to clear the ball but accidentally caught the Congolese defender on the ankle.

The referee initially missed the foul but was later advised by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) to review the incident.

After checking the footage, the referee awarded Congo a free kick and cautioned Manyo with a yellow card—a major let-off as the challenge could easily have resulted in a sending-off.

Anas Yusuf scores to prove Chelle wrong

NPFL top scorer Anas Yusuf has justified his quality, proving Eric Chelle wrong for overlooking him in favour of Sikiru Alimi throughout the tournament.

Despite netting 18 goals for Nasarawa United, Yusuf was left on the bench in Nigeria’s opening games against Senegal and Sudan—both of which ended in defeat.

His omission sparked widespread criticism from fans, who questioned Chelle’s decision to favour Alimi, who managed just five goals for NPFL champions Remo Stars.

Responding to the pressure, Chelle handed Yusuf a starting role against Congo, and the striker justified the decision by scoring Nigeria’s first goal of the tournament with a composed finish after a brilliant team move.

Sikiru Alimi eventually showcases his potential

Super Eagles striker Sikiru Alimi finally showcased his quality in the victory over Congo.

The Remo Stars forward had faced heavy criticism for his underwhelming performances in the opening two games against Senegal and Sudan, with many fans urging the coach to start Anas Yusuf instead.

However, the 29-year-old silenced his critics against Congo, registering a goal and an assist to help Nigeria claim their first three points of the tournament.

Adeyemi Adewale

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