Home Eagles To Play For Pride Against Congo

Nigeria’s senior men’s football team composed of locally-based players, are set to face Congo in their last Group D match of the African Nations Championship (CHAN), despite elimination from the tournament.

For the Home Eagles of Nigeria, the match at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, has become a battle for pride as they aim to finish its campaign strongly.

Nigeria will be determined to demonstrate the quality inherent in the domestic league, regardless of their position in the tournament standings.

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Following a challenging start to their CHAN 2024 journey, including a disappointing defeat to Sudan that prompted strong criticism from Head Coach Eric Chelle, Nigeria are under pressure to deliver a performance that restores confidence and showcases their true potential.

Chelle is looking for redemption. His side are already eliminated after two painful defeats, yet he insists the Super Eagles still have unfinished business.

“We want to end the competition with a victory,” Chelle explained. “We haven’t scored yet, and this game is our chance to put things right.”

For Chelle, the challenge is not only tactical but psychological. Nigeria have conceded five goals without reply in two matches and he admitted mistakes have haunted his team.

“Of course, I take responsibility as coach. But now it’s about lifting morale. We must return home with something positive,” he said.

Losing key players before the tournament due to overseas transfers left Nigeria scrambling, and Chelle lamented the disruption: “Eight of our players from the qualifiers left. That’s 80% of the squad gone. We had to rebuild on the fly.”

Yet the coach sees this final match as a chance to showcase resilience.

“Football is about learning lessons. We must show our positive side now,” he urged, stressing that small tactical changes would be made against Congo.

• Read more: ‘Worst Game I’ve Overseen,’ Chelle Blasts After Sudan Defeat
• Read more: CHAN 2024: Sudan Eliminates Nigeria After 4-0 Spanking

While the path to the knockout stages might now be out of reach, the motivation to play for national honour remains paramount.

Nigeria’s Junior Nduka, one of the leaders in the squad, promised that the Home Eagles will not fold despite elimination.

“We need a win for the country. We’ll give everything against Congo,” he said. “The two defeats affected us, but we must bounce back.”

For Congo, the stakes are higher. With one point from their opening two games, only a win keeps them alive.

Congo’s coach, Barthelemy Ngatsono, has instructed his players to block out the pressure and seize the moment.

“We respect Nigeria, but they are like a wounded lion,” he said. “They will play with pride, so we must be sharper and stay focused.”

The Congolese coach admitted his team’s attacking struggles—just one goal scored in two games—but remains confident.

“Everything will be decided on the pitch. We have the spirit and determination to get the result we need.”

Congo’s forward, Gosim Duvan Elenga, echoed the sentiment: “We enter this match with the same determination as before. We are ready.”

This Group D decider promises intensity until the last second. Congo’s fate will also depend on the outcome of Sudan vs Senegal, but they cannot afford to think beyond Nigeria.

For the Home Eagles, this match is more about pride, closure and showing that even in defeat, lessons can be learned. The clash against Congo presents an opportunity for the players to reaffirm their capabilities and prove their mettle on the continental stage.

It’s a chance to execute tactical plans, demonstrate cohesion and leave the tournament on a positive note. For many of these players, every minute on the pitch at CHAN is an audition, a chance to catch the eye of scouts and further their careers.

Fans will be hoping to see a rejuvenated Home Eagles squad, one that plays with the passion and determination characteristic of Nigerian football.

Regardless of what has transpired in previous matches, the desire to win and represent the country with distinction will undoubtedly fuel their efforts against Congo.