History backs Eric Chelle’s CHAN Eagles to reach semis despite opening day loss to Senegal

The Super Eagles B, also known as the CHAN Eagles of Nigeria succumbed to a painful 1-0 defeat to Senegal in their opening game of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), Soccernet.ng reports.

Eric Chelle has been with the home-based Eagles for about a month to prepare for the CHAN. So, when they filed out against Senegal at the Amaan Stadium at Zanzibar City, they were expected to put on a strong showing.

Chelle, known for his unique style of play, was tasked with infusing his philosophy into the players during their weeks of camping, and the game against the Teranga Lions was the ultimate litmus test.

Unfortunately, Nigeria lost the game 1-0. But it was due to a poor performance. In fact, the game could have swung either way, as both teams did not show enough quality on the night.

Nigeria could even have a good shout for being the better side, as they had the higher ball possession. They had more passes completed and a higher pass accuracy.

The players moved the ball a lot, but they just lacked the cutting edge in the final third. Senegal were not any better, but their goal, which they got off a defensive mistake, was the only chance they created, and they took it.

The goal the CHAN Eagles conceded against Senegal.

Who's to blame?
pic.twitter.com/OWAr3yVsMi

— POOJA!!! (@PoojaMedia) August 5, 2025

The loss to Senegal has cast a shadow of doubt over Nigeria's chances of progressing in the tournament. However, they still have a good shot at going far at the tournament.

Watch Highlights: Senegal vs Nigeria

Nigeria's Super Eagles B Can Still Go Far At CHAN

Unlike most of CAF's other competitions where there are spaces for the best third-place teams in the knockout phase, only the best two teams progress from the four group at the CHAN.

This puts Nigeria in a precarious situation, as they must win their remaining two games against Sudan and Congo to be in a good place to qualify for the next round.

However, according to top Nigerian journalist Samuel Areo, the team is in familiar territory.

0️⃣ – Nigeria has now failed to win their opening CHAN match for the third time in four outings (previously 2014 and 2018).

The Eagles progressed to at least the semifinals in the previous two occasions it happened. #CHAN2024 #YourSportsMemo pic.twitter.com/FSy2vH0l5H

— Engineer Kowope (@Undisputed_Jsam) August 5, 2025

The loss to Senegal is the third time in their four CHAN outings that they have failed to win their opening games.

In 2014, Nigeria lost their opening game to Mali 2-1, while they played out a goalless draw against Rwanda in their opening game of the 2018 edition.

However, on those two occasions, they progressed to the quarterfinals at least. In the 2018 edition, they reached the finals, where Morocco schooled them 4-0

If history is anything to go by, Nigeria can still go far in this tournament. Moreover, they have two more games against Congo and Sudan, and they are winnable.

Chelle just has to work hard on his boys and find a way to sharpen their blunt attack.