Nigeria’s Super Eagles B ended their campaign at the 8th African Nations Championship on a high, securing a 2-0 victory over Congo at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam on Tuesday. Despite the win, both teams were eliminated from the competition.
Congo entered the final Group D fixture with slim hopes of advancing, having drawn their first two matches — including a spirited performance against defending champions Senegal. Nigeria, however, were already out of contention after back-to-back losses: a narrow 1-0 defeat to Senegal and a heavy 4-0 setback against Sudan.
The first half offered little in terms of attacking quality, with both sides struggling to create chances. Congo nearly capitalized on a defensive error in the 25th minute, but Nigeria’s captain Nduka Junior escaped punishment as the opposition failed to convert a gifted opportunity.
A more purposeful Nigeria emerged after the break and were rewarded in the 56th minute when Anas Yusuf slotted home after a clever headed assist from Sikiru Alimi, who connected with a well-delivered cross by Abdulrafiu Taiwo.
It was a landmark moment for the 2018 CHAN runners-up, who had not scored in the tournament since their semi-final triumph over Sudan seven years ago in Marrakech. The breakthrough reignited their attacking intent, and they sealed the result in stoppage time as Alimi turned scorer, adding a second in the 93rd minute.
With the result, Group D concludes with Senegal and Sudan advancing to the quarter-finals, while Nigeria and Congo exit the tournament. The Super Eagles B are expected to return home on Thursday.
