Nigeria Lose 0–1 to Reigning Champions Senegal in Opening Match
Nigeria Lose 0–1 to Reigning Champions Senegal in Opening Match
Nigeria’s Super Eagles suffered a narrow 1–0 loss to defending champions Senegal in their opening Group D fixture of the 8th African Nations Championship (CHAN) held on Tuesday in Zanzibar.
Despite dominating much of the game and enjoying superior possession, the Eagles were undone by a late goal with just 15 minutes remaining. Senegal capitalised on a brief defensive lapse, as a well-worked build-up drew goalkeeper Lawal Mustapha off his line, allowing the Teranga Lions to score with their only shot on target.
The match, played at the Amaan Stadium, was fiercely contested, with both West African sides displaying pace, physicality, and solid defensive organisation. While Nigeria showed more attacking ambition, their efforts were repeatedly frustrated by Senegal’s disciplined backline and a lack of precision in the final third.
Lawal Mustapha was alert in the first half, denying Senegal’s early threat from a cross in the 21st minute and a dangerous free-kick in the 33rd. At the back, Leonard Ngenge and captain Junior Nduka remained composed, while Tochukwu Michael and Olamilekan Adedayo put in tireless shifts in midfield.
Despite their efforts, Nigeria struggled to convert pressure into clear-cut chances. The reigning champions defended with determination, crowding out attacking spaces and frustrating Nigerian advances. In the dying moments, Senegal nearly doubled their lead through a sweeping team move, but Nigeria’s defenders were quick to intervene.
Lawal Mustapha was alert in the first half, denying Senegal’s early threat from a cross in the 21st minute and a dangerous free-kick in the 33rd. At the back, Leonard Ngenge and captain Junior Nduka remained composed, while Tochukwu Michael and Olamilekan Adedayo put in tireless shifts in midfield.
Despite their efforts, Nigeria struggled to convert pressure into clear-cut chances. The reigning champions defended with determination, crowding out attacking spaces and frustrating Nigerian advances. In the dying moments, Senegal nearly doubled their lead through a sweeping team move, but Nigeria’s defenders were quick to intervene.
The defeat leaves Nigeria at the bottom of Group D with zero points, trailing Congo and Sudan who played to a 1–1 draw earlier.
The Super Eagles will aim to revive their campaign when they take on Sudan next Tuesday at the Amaan Stadium — a crucial encounter that could decide their hopes of advancing to the knockout stage.
