Tonight, the CHAN Eagles salvaged some pride after they beat Congo 2-0 in their final group game of the 2024 CHAN.
Nigeria thus finished third in Group D with three points from as many matches, while Sudan won the group with five points after a goalless draw with defending champions Senegal.
Congo finished bottom of the standings with two points.
Remo Stars striker Sikiru Alimi was the match winner as he provided the assist for the first goal before he himself delivered the killer blow in stoppage time.
NPFL hotshot for last season Anas Yusuf justified his first start in this tournament when he put Nigeria ahead in the 56th minute, when he fed off a towering Alimi header.
In stoppage time, Alimi diving header doubled the home-based Eagles advantage after Congo had been reduced to 10 men following the dismissal of Atipo for dangerous play on the Remo Stars striker.
Teenaged goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt enjoyed his senior debut as he was not troubled for the entire duration of this contest.
Nigeria deserved their win as they played without pressure to score their first goals of the competition as well as record their first points.
CHAN Eagles Starting XI: Harcourt – Sodiq, Taiwo, Manyo, Nduka (Captain) – Tochukwu, Adedayo, Akanni (Haruna Hadi 90), Oyowah – Yusuf, Alimi (Obaje 90)
