Defending champions Senegal began their African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Nigeria on Tuesday, handing Super Eagles coach Éric Chelle his first defeat after eight matches in charge.
Christian Gomis netted the decisive goal in the 75th minute, converting a well-executed counterattack to seal the points in a fiercely contested Group D opener at the Amaan Stadium.
The clash between two of West Africa’s footballing giants lived up to expectations, delivering intensity and drama befitting the tournament, which is reserved exclusively for players competing in their respective domestic leagues.
Senegal, winners of the 2022 edition in Algeria, started with poise but faced early pressure from a physical and energetic Nigerian side returning to CHAN finals action for the first time since 2018.
The Super Eagles pressed high from the outset, with Nduka Junior and Raymond Tochukwu asserting themselves in midfield—though both picked up early yellow cards as tempers flared and tackles flew.
