Nigeria fell 1-0 to Senegal in their opening Group D clash of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) at the Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar Tuesday.
The Super Eagles enjoyed the lion’s share of possession with 58.1 percent, but ultimately came away empty-handed.
The match was tightly contested until the 75th minute when a defensive lapse proved costly for Nigeria. Koité pounced on a loose ball at the edge of the box, beat goalkeeper Mustapha Lawal, and laid it off for Christian Gomis to slot into an empty net, giving Senegal the lead and ultimately, all three points.
Nigeria started with a 4-4-2 formation, with Mustapha Lawal in goal and a backline of Junior Harrison Nduka (captain), Ngengen Leonard, Adedayo Olamilekan, and Akanni Qudus. Jabbar Malik, Ismaila, Taiwo, and Alimi manned the midfield, while Anthony and Ijoma Anthony led the attack.
Senegal with the victory top Group D with three points while Nigeria are last in the group with no point following the 1-1 draw between Congo and Sudan who place second and third respectively.
Nigeria must beat Sudan on August 12 and Congo on August 19 to progress to the knockout stages.
