The home-based Super Eagles will now face Equatorial Guinea in Group D of the 2024 African Nations Championship, CHAN following CAF’s decision to disqualify Congo Brazzaville for fielding an ineligible player during the qualifiers.

The CAF Disciplinary Jury arrived at this ruling after investigating allegations by the Equatorial Guinea Football Federation.

Congo was found guilty of multiple regulatory violations, leading to the forfeiture of their two qualifying games, played on December 21 and 29, 2024. Equatorial Guinea was subsequently awarded 3–0 victories for both matches.

In addition to losing their spot in the tournament, Congo has been fined $10,000, with payment required within 60 days.

CAF emphasized that this decision underscores the importance of adhering to its disciplinary framework, citing violations of Articles 2, 12, 38, and 150 of the CAF Disciplinary Code.

With Congo out, Equatorial Guinea joins Group D alongside Nigeria, Sudan, and defending champions Senegal.

This development presents a new challenge for the Super Eagles, who had been preparing for the tournament before its postponement.

Initially scheduled for February, the 2024 CHAN tournament will now take place in August across Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania.

Nigeria’s home-based team, which had been in training, has since broken camp and is expected to resume preparations closer to the rescheduled date.