Nigeria vs Congo: CHAN 2024 Group Stage Preview, Prediction, Lineups, Where To Watch

Nigeria vs Congo: CHAN 2024 Group Stage Preview, Prediction, Lineups, Where To Watch 

By Niyi Busari 

Nigeria’s home-based Super Eagles face a decisive test against Congo in their final Group Stage fixture at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN). The clash will be staged at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on Tuesday, August 19.

Eric Chelle’s men enter the contest under intense pressure after back-to-back defeats to Senegal and Sudan, which have left them rooted to the bottom of Group B. Nigeria must rediscover their attacking rhythm, having failed to score in both outings so far.

Congo, meanwhile, remain unbeaten after two successive draws. On each occasion, the Red Devils came from behind to salvage a point. With qualification still within reach, a win would see them book a place in the knockout rounds.

Match Details

Fixture: Nigeria vs Congo

Competition: African Nations Championship (CHAN 2024)

Venue: Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Date: Tuesday, August 19

Kick-off: 10:30 p.m. IST / 05:00 p.m. GMT / 01:00 p.m. ET / 10:00 a.m. PT

VAR: In operation

Recent Form

Nigeria: W-D-D-L-L

Congo: L-L-L-D-D

Players to Watch

Raymond Tochukwu (Nigeria): The 21-year-old midfielder will be central to Nigeria’s hopes of ending their goal drought. His creativity and drive could be pivotal in unlocking Congo’s defense.

Japhet Mankou (Congo): The 23-year-old striker has been a consistent attacking threat and will be tasked with providing the cutting edge that could propel Congo into the next round.

Match Facts

Congo are winless in their last nine matches.

Nigeria have failed to score in their last two CHAN fixtures.

The Super Eagles have not kept a clean sheet in six consecutive games.

Anytime scorer: Japhet Mankou

Team News

Nigeria: Defender Semi Ajayi is ruled out through injury.

Congo: No injury concerns; full squad available.

Head-to-Head Record

Total meetings: 11

Nigeria wins: 6

Congo wins: 2

Draws: 3

Predicted Lineups

Nigeria (4-3-3): Lawal (GK); Sodiq, Nduka Junior, Ngenge, Abdulrafiu; Otaniyi, Tochukwu, Adedayo; Sikiru, Haruna, Desouza.

Congo (4-2-3-1): Samba (GK); Mapata, Itoua, Peya, Konde; Elenga, Nongo; Andzouono, Debon, Nkaya; Mankou

Prediction

With Nigeria desperate for redemption and Congo seeking their first win of the tournament, this fixture is delicately poised. Both sides are expected to cancel each other out in a tense encounter.

Prediction: Nigeria 1–1 Congo.

Broadcast Details

Nigeria: SuperSport, New World TV

India: FanCode

UK: beIN Sports

USA: beIN Sports USA