Sudan Eliminates Nigeria's Home Squadron Super Eagles from the CHAN Competition in Zanzibar through Humiliating Defeat
In a disappointing turn of events, Nigeria's home-based Super Eagles have been eliminated from the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) after a heavy 4-0 loss to Sudan in their second Group D clash.
The match, played at an undisclosed location, saw Sudan control the game in the second half, frustrating Nigeria's attempts to break through. The victory was due to a combination of physical dominance and sharp, decisive attacking play.
The first goal was scored bizarrely when Leonard Ngenge, under pressure, turned the ball into his own net. This unfortunate incident was followed by a penalty conversion by Walieldin Khdir, making it 2-0 in favour of Sudan. Abdel Raouf Yagoub then capitalised on Nigeria's defensive lapses, scoring two goals in the second half, one in the 55th minute and another seven minutes later. Yagoub's second goal was a fierce right-footed shot high into the net.
Nigeria's exit from the tournament is a bitter one, undone by defensive lapses and a lack of cutting edge up front. Sikiru Alimi had a chance to score for Nigeria but headed wide from close range in stoppage time of the first half.
The defeat followed a narrow 1-0 loss to Senegal in Nigeria's opener. The home-based Super Eagles' performance at CHAN 2024 was marked by an early exit at the group stage after failing to score in their first two matches and conceding five goals.
Key reasons for Nigeria's unexpected exit against Sudan and overall poor CHAN 2024 showing include a lack of high-intensity experience, critical defensive errors, pressure handling, underperformance in crucial moments, and inexperience relative to opponents.
Despite this, there were positives noted by Nigerian football legend Abe, who believed the squad had the talent to succeed and viewed qualification as a major step forward, highlighting the potential within the Nigeria Professional Football League and the motivation to restore Nigeria’s standing in African football.
With four points from two games, Sudan are now on the brink of the knockout stages, while Nigeria is at the bottom of the group with zero points and a minus-five goal difference, making them mathematically out of the tournament.
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