CHAN 2025: Must-win test for Congo as they face eliminated Nigeria today

Femi Fabunmi 

Congo striker Gosim Duvan Elenga has stated that his team is fully focused ahead of their decisive clash against Nigeria in the final Group D match of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).

“We enter this match with the same determination as before. We are ready,” Elenga told CAFonline. The encounter is scheduled to take place today, August 19, 2025, at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.

Group D remains tightly contested, with Senegal and Sudan each on four points, while Congo sit on two points. A victory is essential for Congo to progress to the knockout stage. Nigeria, meanwhile, have lost both of their opening matches and are already eliminated from the tournament.

Congo’s head coach Barthelemy Ngatsono has emphasized the importance of the fixture, describing it as a “no alternative to victory” situation. Nigeria’s coach Éric Chelle acknowledged the difficulties his side has faced, including failing to score in their two previous games, and sees the match as an opportunity to restore some pride before heading home.

The match is expected to be a high-stakes battle, with Congo fighting for survival and Nigeria looking to exit the tournament on a more positive note.