Nigeria vs Congo CHAN 2025 Highlights, Goals, Result: Super Eagles Bow Out With 2–0 Win
Nigeria vs Congo CHAN 2025 result: The Super Eagles restored pride with a 2–0 victory over Congo in their final African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2025 Group D clash in Dar es Salaam. Goals from Anas Yusuf and Sikiru Alimi sealed the win, but both sides crashed out as Sudan and Senegal advanced to the quarter-finals.
Pre-Match Context
Nigeria entered the fixture already eliminated after back-to-back defeats — 0-1 to Senegal and a heavy 0-4 loss to Sudan. Coach Eric Chelle’s men had failed to score in the tournament, conceding five goals in two matches.
For Congo, the stakes were higher. A win by at least two goals would have sent them through, depending on the result between Sudan and Senegal. Coach Barthélémy Ngatsono insisted before kickoff: “There is no alternative to victory.”
First Half: A Cagey Battle
The opening 45 minutes at the Namboole Mandela National Stadium were physical and tense, with both teams struggling to create clear chances.
- Congo’s Japhet Mankou and Dechan Moussavou wasted good-headed opportunities.
- Nigeria’s Olamilekan Adedayo tested goalkeeper Ulrich Samba, but the score remained goalless.
- VAR drama struck when Nigerian defender Steven Manyo was initially booked for a reckless challenge, sparking confusion, but the referee allowed play to continue after review.
Halftime score: Nigeria 0–0 Congo.
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Second Half: Yusuf Breaks the Deadlock
Nigeria finally ended their tournament goal drought in the 55th minute.
- Sikiru Alimi rose highest to head down a cross.
- Anas Yusuf reacted quickly, firing home with his right foot to make it 1–0.
The goal lifted Nigeria’s spirits and shifted momentum. Congo, desperate for a response, made substitutions but failed to break down the Super Eagles’ defence.
Stoppage-Time Drama: Red Card & Alimi’s Goal
The final minutes brought fireworks:
- Congo’s Charles Atipo was shown a straight red card in the 90+2 minute after VAR review of a reckless foul on Alimi.
- From the resulting free kick, Sodiq Ismail delivered a perfect cross, and Alimi powered in a header (90+3’) to seal a 2–0 win.
Group D Standings After Matchday 3
- Sudan – 5 points (+4 GD)
- Senegal – 5 points (+1 GD)
- Nigeria – 3 points (–3 GD)
- Congo – 2 points (–2 GD)
Despite the win, Nigeria finished third and Congo fourth, while Sudan and Senegal advanced to the quarter-finals after a 0–0 draw in their match.
Post-Match Reactions
Coach Eric Chelle admitted mistakes haunted Nigeria earlier but praised his players’ resilience:
“We wanted to end with pride, and today the boys showed character. This is a lesson for the future.”
For Congo, elimination was bitter. Ngatsono rued missed chances across the group stage, with just two goals scored in three games.
Analysis: Pride Restored, But Lessons Remain
- Nigeria avoided finishing winless, scoring their first goals of the tournament.
- Defensive lapses in earlier games proved costly, leaving them short of qualification.
- Congo’s inability to convert chances highlighted their lack of cutting edge at this level.
While Sudan and Senegal march on, Nigeria will reflect on preparation and depth issues, while Congo leaves with disappointment after failing to seize their opportunity.
