Tonight, the CHAN Eagles fell by the odd goal to defending champions Senegal in a Group D clash of the 2024 CHAN.
After there were no goals in the first 45 minutes, Senegal eventually edged this West African derby with a 75th minute strike by the much-traveled Gomis after the Nigerian defence was caught napping and goalkeeper Lawal Mustapha had to fully commit himself.
In the first half, the CHAN Eagles did well to contain the more attack-minded Senegalese, while after they break the Nigerians opened up the game in hope they could get the ho-ahead goal.
Ikorodu City young central defender Leonard Ngenge was the standout player in the first half to underline where the pressure was then.
The CHAN Eagles looked far more comfortable after the interval, stringing good passes and even taking the game to their opponents.
Akanni Qudus had his shot at goal deflected for a corner in the 71st minute as Nigeria stepped up their attack.
However, four minutes later Senegal did the damage in a quick counter attack that caught almost the entire Nigerian team wide open and forced goalkeeper Mustapha to come out of his post and for the champions to break the deadlock.
In the opening game of Group D, Sudan and Congo drew 1-1.
Nigeria will play a second group game in a week’s time.
CHAN Eagles Starting XI vs Senegal (442) – Mustapha – Ismail, Taiwo (Izondu 70), Junior (Captain), Ngenge – Tochukwu, Jabbar, Adebayo, Akanni Qudus – Anthony Ijoma, Alimi
