The Super Eagles B managed a face saving 2-0 victory against Congo in their last group game at the African Nations Championships to return home with a little respect.
The team had disapointed many football lovers at at home, who had expected much from the team, especially with Super Eagles coach, Eric Chelle incharge of the team
The Super Eagles B had started the championship with a narrow 0-1 loss to the defending champions Senegal, but many never saw the bashing and humiliation from Sudan who massacred the team 4-0.
But on Tuesday the team had to dig deep to cage Congo’s Red Devils with two goals in the second half in the Tanzanian capital, Dar es Salaam , but their firepower came too late as both teams were eliminated from the 8th African Nations Championship at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.
Congo had hopes of inching their way into the knockout rounds before kick-off, with two points from their first two matches, including a fit-fighting draw with champions Senegal.
On their part, the Eagles already had their bags packed for the journey home after an underwhelming first two games of the group phase in which they lost by a lone goal to Senegal and were battered four goals by Sudan.
Both teams did not present a spectacle in the first period, with no clear-cut opportunities created, though the Red Devils could have gone ahead in the 25th minute when Nigeria captain Nduka Junior bungled a simple pass and was lucky the opposing striker could not keep his header down in front of junior international goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt.
Nigeria returned from recess with obvious renewed vigour, and it was no surprise when Anas Yusuf connected home beautifully, a headed pass by Sikiru Alimi in the 56th minute, following a cross by defender Abdulrafiu Taiwo.
The 2018 silver medallists, who had not scored a goal in the competition since winning their semi-final clash with Sudan in Marrakech seven years ago, pushed forward more and more, and got a second goal three minutes into added time through Sikiru Alimi.
Cup-holders Senegal and Sudan make it to the quarter-finals from Group D, while the Eagles are expected back home on Thursday.
QUARTER FINAL QUALIFICATIONS
Meanwhile, eight countries have now secured their spots in the quarter-finals of the ongoing African Nations Championship (CHAN).
Uganda, Algeria, Morocco, Madagascar, Kenya, Senegal, Sudan, and Tanzania have all advanced to the last eight of the CHAN competition.
Uganda and Algeria sealed their qualification on Monday after the final Group C fixtures. Uganda battled to a 3-3 draw with South Africa, a result that saw them finish top of the group with seven points from four games.
Algeria claimed the second spot with six points, edging South Africa on goal difference as both teams ended level on points.
Guinea and Niger fell short, finishing fourth and fifth with four and two points, respectively
