SUPER EAGLES CRASH OUT OF CHAN AFTER 4-0 DEFEAT TO SUDAN

By: Gyang Dakwo

Nigeria’s campaign at the 2024 African Nations Championship has ended in disappointment after a heavy 4-0 loss to Sudan at Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar confirmed their early exit.

The result came after back-to-back defeats, and it matched the Super Eagles’ heaviest loss in CHAN history, equalling the 4-0 defeat to Morocco in the 2018 final.

The Super Eagles B, led by Éric Chelle, were already under pressure after losing 1-0 to Senegal in their opening game. They began brightly against Sudan and enjoyed over 60 percent possession in the early stages, and they thought they had taken the lead in the 22nd minute when Anthony Ijoma scored calmly. But VAR ruled the goal out for offside, and moments later disaster struck. Abdel Yagoub’s shot hit the crossbar and bounced in off defender Leonard Ngenge for an own goal.

Things got worse for Ngenge in first-half stoppage time as he conceded a penalty for handball, and Walieldin Khidir made it 2-0 for Sudan. Nigeria pushed forward after the restart, but they lacked precision in the final third and did not register a single shot on target.

Defensive mistakes proved costly again as Abdel Raouf scored twice in six minutes, first from close range in the 55th minute and then with a superb volley off the crossbar to complete the rout. Chelle made five substitutions, including bringing on Qudus Akanni and Shola Adelani, but there was no improvement, and Adelani’s late booking summed up the team’s frustration.

With no goals scored and five conceded in two matches, Nigeria is out of the competition. Their final Group D match against the Republic of Congo next week will now be only a formality, but it will give the team one last chance to restore some pride after a tournament to forget.