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Defending champions Senegal began their 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN) campaign with a narrow 1-0 victory over Nigeria in their Group D opening match at the Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar on Tuesday.
In a tightly contested encounter with few clear-cut chances, Christian Gomis capitalised on a defensive lapse in the 75th minute to hand the Teranga Lions all three points against the Super Eagles.
Senegal’s wingers, Libasse Gueye and Ameth Niang, proved a constant threat in the first half, forcing Nigeria’s captain Junior Nduka to commit a foul on Gueye in the 23rd minute, earning himself a yellow card. However, both sides struggled to create meaningful opportunities, with Moctar Koitar and Sikiru Alimi going close for their respective teams.
Nigeria showed more attacking intent after the break, dominating possession and pushing forward in search of a breakthrough. Akanni Qudus came closest for the Eagles with a strike that narrowly missed the target. But it was Senegal who found the net, as Gomis pounced on a mix-up in Nigeria’s defence to score what proved to be the winning goal.
Substitutes Shola Adelani and Vincent Temitope were introduced in a bid to rescue a result for Nigeria, but the Teranga Lions held firm to seal a winning start to their title defence.
Nigeria will aim to bounce back in their next group match against Sudan on Tuesday, while Senegal face Congo. Both fixtures will be played at the Amaan Stadium.
