Super Eagles battle to stay alive in CHAN 2024 after group D false start
Sports
By
Mike Kihaki
| Aug 13, 2025
The Super Eagles are well known for their rich football heritage for over three decades.
They entered the 2024 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) with renewed ambition, determined eager to claim their first CHAN title and further solidify their place among Africa’s elite football nations.
They also want to erase the memories of past disappointments and chase a first-ever title. The Eagles are ranked 44 in the latest FIFA July 2025 ranking and have made their best CHAN performance in 2018 when they finished as runners-up.
They have made four appearances in CHAN Championship in 2014, 2016, 2018, 2024)
Bronze in 2014, a group-stage exit in 2016, runners-up in 2018 and now, the pressure of proving they still belong among Africa’s elite.
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After missing the last edition and bowing out early in 2016, Nigeria’s home-based side, now under the guidance of Franco-Malian tactician Eric Sekou Chelle, the team arrived for CHAN 2024 with high hopes and heavy expectations.
Nigeria secured their place in the CHAN 2024 finals by overcoming Ghana in the qualifiers. The Super Eagles recorded a 3-1 aggregate victory, with captain Junior Nduka playing a pivotal role by scoring a crucial goal.
Drawn into Group D alongside defending champions Senegal, Sudan, and Congo, Nigeria’s path to the knockout stages was always going to be a test of resolve.
That test began harshly in Zanzibar on August 4, when the Super Eagles fell 1–0 to Senegal in their opener.
The champions proved clinical, converting their only shot on target in the 75th minute to hand Nigeria a frustrating defeat despite a spirited performance.
It was a loss that dropped Nigeria to the bottom of the group, and immediately turned their second match against Sudan into a must-win clash.
Chelle, only weeks into the job after replacing Daniel Ogunmodede (who had successfully guided the team through qualification), admitted the stakes.
“We need to win this game against Sudan. We are a big country, a great football nation, and we must do better,” he said.
The coach’s tactical blueprint built on high-intensity pressing and compact defensive organization was evident in flashes against Senegal, but the lack of cutting edge in attack meant Nigeria left empty-handed.
The focus now shifted to unlocking Sudan’s defence while keeping their own backline airtight.
Captain Junior Nduka, whose vital goal in the qualifiers against Ghana helped book Nigeria’s ticket to CHAN, was vocal in rallying the squad.
“The last game was a setback, not a disaster. We have a point to prove and we are ready to correct our mistakes,” he said ahead of the Sudan showdown.
The Super Eagles know that their path to survival in Group D hinges on back-to-back wins against Sudan and Congo. Anything less, and the dream of replicating their 2018 runners-up finish or bettering it will fade quickly.
Nigeria’s first two games are staged at Zanzibar’s 15,000-capacity Amaan Stadium a venue that has already witnessed the fine margins of tournament football.
After facing Sudan, the Super Eagles will wrap up group play against Congo at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
The CHAN, reserved for players active in their home nations’ domestic leagues, has historically brought unpredictable results for Nigeria.