Nigeria’s home-based Super Eagles began their 8th African Nations Championship (CHAN) campaign on a disappointing note, falling 0-1 to title-holders Senegal in a tense Group D encounter at the Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar on Tuesday.

Senegal, the reigning champions, capitalised on a rare defensive lapse to score the lone goal of the game with just 15 minutes left on the clock. The goal came from their only shot on target, following a clever attacking sequence that drew Nigerian goalkeeper Lawal Mustapha out of position and left the net exposed.

The highly anticipated match lived up to expectations, as both West African rivals matched each other in intensity and physicality throughout the game. Nigeria dominated possession and controlled long stretches of the match, but failed to convert their efforts into meaningful chances.

Mustapha had a solid first half, notably intervening in the 21st minute to cut out a threatening cross and standing tall again in the 33rd minute when Senegal threatened from a free kick.

Despite the efforts of Leonard Ngenge and captain Junior Nduka in defence, and the industrious midfield pairing of Tochukwu Michael and Olamilekan Adedayo, the Eagles found it difficult to break down Senegal’s disciplined defence, who threw numbers behind the ball at every Nigerian push forward.

Senegal nearly doubled their lead in the dying moments with a slick team move, but Ngenge and Nduka were alert to clear the danger.

The defeat leaves Nigeria bottom of Group D with zero points, after the earlier 1-1 draw between Congo and Sudan, who each picked up a point.

The Eagles now face a crucial clash against Sudan next Tuesday, also at the Amaan Stadium, where anything short of victory could put their CHAN 2025 hopes in serious jeopardy.