Four things we learned from Nigeria’s thrilling 2-2 draw with Zanzibar ahead of CHAN opener vs Senegal

Nigeria’s Super Eagles B produced a first-half masterclass before surrendering a two-goal lead in a 2-2 draw against a lively Zanzibar side in Thursday’s CHAN 2024 warm-up at the Amaan Stadium, Footynaija.com reports.

On the face of it, the result feels frustrating, especially after goals from Anas Yusuf and Adedayo Olamilekan had put Nigeria in a commanding position by halftime.

But scratch beneath the surface, and the match delivered several valuable lessons for head coach Eric Chelle and his technical crew ahead of their CHAN opener against Senegal on August 5.

Head coach, Eric Chelle, has named a 23-man squad to represent the Super Eagles at #CHAN2024

Let’s go, Naija! #SoarSuperEagles #CHAN2024 pic.twitter.com/XTuBy8kLpp

— Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) July 23, 2025

Here are four key takeaways from a contest that had it all: pace, poise, and plenty to ponder.

1. Yusuf and Olamilekan stake their claim

There’s something refreshing about watching young players grab their chance with both hands and that’s exactly what Nasarawa United’s Anas Yusuf and Remo Stars’ Adedayo Olamilekan did.

1️⃣8️⃣ – Anas Yusuf finished as the highest goal scorer in the 2024/25 NPFL with 18 goals -45% of Nasarawa United’s goals.

36 apps in all comps – Club #1
34 NPFL apps – Club #1
4 winning goals – NPFL #1
4 away goals – NPFL #2
14 home goals – NPFL #1
6 TOTW – NPFL #1#NPFL25 #TOTS pic.twitter.com/SXEvraYVTL

— Opta Nigeria (@OptaNGR) July 30, 2025

Yusuf’s opener was the product of a swift attacking sequence that had shades of a team clicking into gear at just the right time. Olamilekan’s finish, cool and composed, reflected a player with ice in his veins.

Both showed positional intelligence, technical maturity, and a hunger that will be difficult to overlook when Chelle names his final starting XI against Senegal.

2. Squad rotation brings rhythm risks
Chelle opted to ring the changes after halftime, giving every squad member a taste of the action. On one hand, it was a logical move: run the rule over other talents, preserve energy, reduce injury risk, build morale. On the other, the substitutions clearly disrupted Nigeria’s balance and tempo.

Eric Chelle
Country: Nigeria
Nationality: Mali
Age: 47
Preferred formation: 4-3-1-2#CHANikoKBC pic.twitter.com/GiG0lA3mqk

— Y254 (@Y254Channel) July 31, 2025

As the midfield lost control and the press weakened, Zanzibar capitalised with two sharp counterattacks. This tactical shift exposed defensive frailties and reminded us that while squad depth is important, coherence and chemistry are irreplaceable.

3. Zanzibar’s comeback was no fluke
Let’s give credit where it’s due. Zanzibar were well-drilled, energetic, and clinical in the second half. Their pressing grew bolder as the game wore on, and their two goals came from purposeful attacks rather than lucky breaks.

For Nigeria, this was an eye-opener, especially against a side they had drawn 0-0 with just days earlier. The comeback also signals to the Super Eagles that CHAN 2024 won’t hand them anything on a platter, especially with Group D containing defending champions Senegal.

4. First-half firepower, second-half fragility
The contrast between the two halves couldn’t be starker. Nigeria’s first 45 minutes were full of verve, quick transitions, effective wing play, and confident finishing. But the second half told a different story: defensive disorganisation, loose passing, and a lack of urgency.

The lesson here? Chelle has a potentially dangerous attacking unit, but cohesion and concentration must last the full 90. There is no room for lapses in CHAN, especially against sides like Senegal who won’t need a second invitation to punish mistakes.

Come August 5, the real test begins.