As excitement mounts for this Tuesday’s Group B opener at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), Nigeria’s Super Eagles are embracing the weight of national expectation ahead of a challenging clash with defending champions Senegal.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference in Zanzibar on Monday, Super Eagles defender Junior Nduka highlighted the pride and responsibility the team feels, especially following Nigeria’s recent success across other sports.

“To our fellow Nigerians, I know the expectations are high because we have been doing well in sports, and we will try our best not to let them down,” said Nduka, seen as one of the team’s key leaders.

 “Our female football team just won the WAFCON, and the women’s basketball team also claimed the African title. It’s a great record for the country, and we hope to build on that momentum.”

Nigeria’s participation at CHAN 2024 comes amid a period of national sporting resurgence, and the home-based squad is hoping to mirror those successes on the football pitch.

However, standing in their way is a formidable Senegalese side renowned for its athleticism, pace, and discipline.

Head coach Éric Chelle, who has overseen an intense build-up with the local league-based squad, made it clear that his team is focused squarely on the opening fixture.

“I don’t want to talk about Congo or Sudan for now,” said the former Mali international when asked about Nigeria’s other group opponents.

“Our focus is on our first match tomorrow. We want to take it step by step. Right now, it’s all about Senegal.”

While much has been made of the West African rivalry, Chelle downplayed any emotional build-up, instead framing the encounter as a high-level contest between two footballing nations with pedigree.

“I don’t think it’s a derby, but this is a match between two big countries in African football,” he said. “Senegal have a good generation and a strong team. Our preparations have gone well, and now we want to put everything we’ve worked on into this game.”

This will be the first-ever CHAN meeting between Nigeria and Senegal. Both teams boast strong records in the competition, with Nigeria finishing as runners-up in 2018 and Senegal winning the title in 2022.

With a squad composed entirely of players from the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), the Super Eagles will face a stern test against a disciplined Senegal team determined to begin their title defence on a strong note.

Kickoff is scheduled for Tuesday evening in Zanzibar.

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As anticipation heightens ahead of Nigeria’s opening match at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), Super Eagles coach Éric Chelle and defender Junior Nduka have expressed confidence and focus ahead of Tuesday’s clash with Senegal.

Speaking during the pre-match media conference in Zanzibar on Monday, Nduka, one of the team’s key leaders, emphasised the team’s desire to sustain Nigeria’s recent sporting success on the continental stage.

“To our fellow Nigerians, I know the expectations are high because we have been doing well in sports, and we will try our best not to let them down,” he said. “Our female team has just won the WAFCON, and our women’s basketball team also won the African title. It’s a good record for the country, and we hope to consolidate on that.”

Nigeria’s home-based squad heads into CHAN 2024 riding a wave of positive national results in other sports, and Nduka believes this momentum can inspire the team to deliver on the pitch. However, they face a tough opening opponent in Senegal, a team renowned for its athleticism, pace, and tactical discipline.

Head coach Éric Chelle, appointed to steer Nigeria’s home-based squad, urged his players to remain focused on the immediate task.

“I don’t want to talk about Congo or Sudan for now,” Chelle responded when asked about Nigeria’s other group opponents. “Our focus is on our first match tomorrow. We want to take each game as it comes, step by step. Right now, it’s all about Senegal.”

The former Mali international dismissed notions of an emotional rivalry, instead framing the contest as a high-level battle between two footballing giants on the continent.

“I don’t think it’s a derby, but this is a game between two big African countries with strong football traditions,” he said. “Senegal have a good generation and a good team. Our preparation has been good, and we will look to implement everything we have worked on.”

Nigeria’s squad for CHAN 2024 is composed exclusively of players from the domestic league, who will now be tested on the continental stage. Their first hurdle: a formidable Senegalese side that will be eager to assert dominance in Group B.

Kickoff is set for Tuesday, with both teams aiming to start their campaigns on a winning note.

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Guinea began their African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over regional rivals Niger on Monday at the Nelson Mandela National Stadium in Kampala.

The win was sealed by a second-half strike from Mohamed Bangoura II, who netted shortly after the restart following a VAR review.

It marked a cagey, often physical affair in which Guinea’s superior game management and defensive structure saw them over the line in this Group C opener.

In a repeat of their thrilling 2-2 draw at the 2016 edition, expectations were high for another open contest, but both sides approached the encounter with caution, especially in the early stages.

Guinea came into the match unbeaten in open play in their last seven CHAN games, while Niger sought to avoid a third straight tournament defeat.

The first half was scrappy and full of midfield tussles. Chances were few and far between, with long-range efforts from Lansana Sylla and Théodore Jules testing the goalkeepers but never truly threatening to break the deadlock.

The tempo was repeatedly broken by fouls, and the match saw five yellow cards dished out—three to Niger.

The breakthrough came just two minutes into the second half. Guinea winger Alhassane Bangoura whipped in a low cross from the left and Bangoura II reacted first, steering a composed right-footed finish into the bottom corner.

The assistant referee initially raised his flag, but after a brief VAR check, the goal was confirmed—sending the Syli Nationale bench into celebration.

Niger responded by throwing men forward, with substitute Abdoul-Latif Goumey coming closest to equalising with a looping header that went just wide in the 76th minute.

Ridouane Assane also tested the Guinea defence with a couple of long-range drives, while Bilal Oumarou’s deliveries from the flanks gave hope of a late comeback.

But Guinea remained resolute. Centre-back Mohamed Diabaté led a disciplined back line, while Ousmane Drame and substitute Ibrahima Sankhon added steel in midfield.

 Goalkeeper Ousmane Camara was rarely troubled, but he commanded his area well during a flurry of Niger corners in stoppage time.

Referee Mehrez Melki signaled eight added minutes, and Niger pushed desperately for an equaliser. A last-ditch effort by Ridouane Assane was blocked in the 96th minute, and when Abdoul Kassali was flagged offside with one final run, Guinea’s hard-earned three points were safe.

The result gives Guinea an early edge in a highly competitive Group C, which also includes hosts Uganda, Algeria, and South Africa. For Niger, it was a frustrating start to their fifth CHAN appearance, especially after a promising fourth-place finish in 2022.

Coach Harouna Doula’s men now face an uphill battle to keep their quarter-final hopes alive. Guinea, on the other hand, will look to build momentum as they chase another deep run in the tournament.

-CAFonline

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