Super Eagles B Fall 1-0 to Senegal in CHAN 2024 Qualifiers Opener Coach Calls for Improved Intensity

Nigeria’s Super Eagles B team suffered a 1-0 defeat against defending champions Senegal in their opening match of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifiers at the Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar.

The lone goal came in the 75th minute from Senegal’s Christian Gomis following a costly error by Nigeria’s goalkeeper Lawal Mustapha.

Coach Eric Sekou Chelle admitted the team showed poor intensity during the match, which impacted their performance.

Despite dominating possession and creating more chances, Nigeria struggled to convert opportunities and maintain tactical discipline leading to frustration for the home-based squad.

Chelle made several substitutions during the game in an attempt to turn the tide but could not find the equalizer.

The high-stakes Group D encounter was a physical and tactical battle with periods of solid defensive work from Nigerian players including Junior Nduka and Leonard Ngenge.

However the narrow midfield formation used by Chelle was exploited by Senegal on the flanks, giving the Teranga Lions space to stretch the play and penetrate Nigeria’s defense.

Following this setback, the Super Eagles B team now face Sudan in their next group match scheduled for August 12, 2025, at the same venue. Expectations are high for a stronger and more clinical performance as Nigeria aims to recover in the qualifiers and advance beyond the group stage.

The loss places Nigeria at the bottom of Group D, while Senegal tops the group having won their first match.

With only the top two teams advancing to the quarterfinals Nigeria must regroup quickly to keep their CHAN 2024 hopes alive.