The African Nations Championship clash between Nigeria and DR Congo in Dar es Salaam will be more than just another game.
For Congo coach Barthelemy Ngatsono, the task is simple. Win or go home.
Speaking before the final Group D match, Ngatsono made his position clear. “There is no choice but to win,” he said.
“Nigeria may be hurt after two defeats, but that makes them even more dangerous. We must stay sharp and focused.”
Congo enter the game with two points from two draws. Their fight has been strong, but their biggest problem has been scoring goals. Two goals in two games have not been enough to secure safety. Yet Ngatsono believes his players have the spirit to finish the job.
Forward Gosim Duvan Elenga shares his coach’s belief. “We are ready. We will fight with the same spirit as always. We want to qualify,” he said with confidence.
Nigeria Seek Redemption After Painful Defeats
Nigeria’s Super Eagles B, led by coach Eric Chelle, already know they cannot progress.
Two defeats, a narrow 1-0 loss to Senegal and a heavy 4-0 defeat to Sudan, have ended their hopes. No goals scored, five conceded, and a painful bottom spot in Group D.
For Chelle, this match is now about pride. “We must end this tournament with something positive,” he said. “We have not scored yet, but this game is our chance to change that.”
Chelle admitted his squad was hit hard before the tournament began. Eight key players, almost the entire starting team, left for clubs abroad. That left him to rebuild almost from nothing. Despite the struggles, he says the players must keep their heads high.
Captain Junior Nduka echoed that message. “We need to win for the country. We cannot leave without showing fight. The defeats hurt, but now we must rise again,” he said.
This game carries different meanings for both sides. For Congo, it is a battle for survival and a possible ticket to the quarter finals. For Nigeria, it is about leaving Tanzania with dignity.
Congo will likely start with high energy, pressing for an early goal to control the match. Nigeria may change tactics to take more risks in attack, hoping to finally find the back of the net.
