CHAN 2024: Oyowah on winning Motm, what Eric Chelle told Super Eagles players, win v Congo

Alex Young Oyowah turned Nigeria’s final game at the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 into a personal milestone, making his full debut and collecting the Man of the Match award in the 2-0 win over Congo.

The 20-year-old midfielder admitted the occasion carried double significance — his first appearance for the Super Eagles and the team’s first victory of the tournament despite already being eliminated. 

"I feel very proud to have been named Man of the Match in our match against Congo,” Oyowah told Cafonline. 

"This is like two opportunities, one for me and one for Nigeria. This is my first match and our last in the group, and we were able to win."

Oyowah credited his display to the trust and instructions given by coach Eric Chelle, stressing that his performance was not simply about individual brilliance. 

"The coach told us to do what we could in the last match against Congo, especially since we had been eliminated. It was necessary for us to win," he explained.

Despite Nigeria’s early exit, Oyowah highlighted the fighting spirit within the squad and their determination to leave the competition on a high note. 

“We did not want to lose the match despite the elimination,” he noted. 

”I think the Nigerians feel proud after our victory over Congo. We had nothing to lose. We did not want to lower our heads in this match. 

"The most important thing is that we got the three points in our last match and achieved our first victory in this tournament.”

His words underline a strong mentality and a commitment to defending the national colours even in difficult circumstances. 

On his debut, Oyowah demonstrated maturity, tactical discipline, and resilience, qualities that earned him recognition as one of the standout performers of the group stage.

For the young midfielder, the evening in Dar es Salaam was not only about lifting an individual award but also about signalling his readiness for bigger stages with Nigeria. 

His emergence offers encouragement for the future, with many now tipping him as a rising figure in Nigerian football.

With one game, one award, and one statement performance, Oyowah has announced his arrival. And while Nigeria’s CHAN journey ended, his own is only beginning.

Wale Adejumo

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