Nigeria’s CHAN 2024 campaign comes to a close today, August 19, as the home-based Super Eagles face DR Congo in a decisive Group D clash at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, Dar es Salaam.

For Nigeria, the mission is simple — avoid leaving the tournament without a point. After back-to-back defeats to Senegal (0-1) and Sudan (0-4), Éric Chelle’s men have already been eliminated. Their hopes now rest on restoring pride and ending a six-year winless run in the competition.

The stakes are far higher for DR Congo. Twice winners of the tournament, the Leopards sit third in the group with two points after successive 1-1 draws against Sudan and Senegal. A win is their only path to the quarter-finals, while a draw or defeat will send them home.

Rivalry renewed

Although the two nations have met just five times at senior level since 1966, results have been evenly split. Nigeria have claimed two wins, Congo two, and one ended in a draw. However, this marks their first-ever meeting at CHAN, adding a new chapter to their rivalry.

Contrasting form

Nigeria’s struggles in front of goal remain glaring — they have now gone over 340 minutes without scoring at CHAN. Meanwhile, Congo have shown resilience, striking late when needed and keeping themselves alive in the group. Their disciplined 4-2-3-1 system, spearheaded by the likes of Carly Ekongo and Dechan Moussavou, offers both defensive solidity and quick transitions.

The tactical battle

Chelle is expected to persist with his 4-4-2 diamond setup, seeking width from full-backs like Sodiq Ismail and link-up play through midfielders Olamilekan Adedayo and Tochukwu Michael. But creativity and composure in attack remain their biggest concerns.
Ngatsono’s Leopards, on the other hand, thrive on collective discipline and swift counterattacks, making them dangerous against vulnerable opponents.

What’s at stake

For Nigeria, victory would soften the disappointment of an early exit. For DR Congo, nothing but three points will do. The contrast in motivations ensures an intriguing contest: pride on one side, survival on the other.