CHAN 2024: Congo Coach Expresses Caution Over Resurgent Home-Based Super Eagles

Congo head coach, Barthelemy Ngatsono has urged his players to raise their game as they prepare to face Nigeria in a decisive Group D clash at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).

Ngatsono’s team is yet to register a win in the tournament but currently sits second in the group with two points from two matches. A victory against Nigeria is essential to guarantee their progression to the quarter-finals.

Speaking ahead of the encounter, Ngatsono acknowledged the challenge posed by the Home-based Super Eagles, who are already out of contention after back-to-back losses to Senegal and Sudan.

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

Nigeria will be playing solely for pride after failing to secure a point or score a goal in their first two games. Despite their elimination, the match remains crucial for Congo’s qualification hopes.

The game is scheduled to take place today (Tuesday) at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, with kick-off at 6 p.m. Nigerian time.