NPFL Top Scorer Anas Yusuf and Alimi Strike Late to Salvage Nigeria’s Pride Despite Early CHAN Exit

Nigeria’s home-based Super Eagles finally rediscovered their scoring touch, earning a morale-boosting 2-0 victory over Congo in their final group game at the African Nations Championship (CHAN) on Tuesday night.

After enduring a barren spell that spanned three matches and seven years, NPFL top scorer Anas Yusuf struck in the 56th minute,  which is Nigeria’s first CHAN goal since their 1-0 triumph over Sudan in Marrakech on January 31, 2018. The breakthrough came when Sikiru Alimi rose highest to nod down a cross, setting up Yusuf for a calm close-range finish.

Alimi, who turned provider for the opener, later got on the scoresheet himself deep into stoppage time, sealing the result and leaving Congo stunned. The Central Africans, who needed all three points to keep their quarter-final hopes alive, instead finished bottom of the group and exited in disappointment.

For Nigeria, the victory did little to alter their fate, as earlier losses to Senegal and Sudan had already confirmed their early elimination. Still, the result offered a late reprieve and spared the team the humiliation of leaving the competition winless.

Head coach Eric Sekou Chelle will take comfort in the restored pride, though pressing questions remain over the team’s preparation, squad depth, and execution at this level.