Nigeria’s home-based Super Eagles are staring down the barrel at the 2024 African Nations Championship which has entered matchday two, Footynaija.com reports.
Eric Chelle’s lads must win against Sudan in Zanzibar on Tuesday or wave goodbye to their tournament dreams.
After a narrow 1-0 defeat to defending champions Senegal, Nigeria know there is no margin for error against a Sudan side unbeaten and brimming with confidence under veteran Ghanaian coach Kwesi Appiah.
Here are five key things to know ahead of the Super Eagles B’s crucial showdown against Sudan
Where and when will the game be played?
Nigeria’s home-based Super Eagles face Sudan in a crucial CHAN 2024 Group D match on Tuesday, 12 August, at Amaan Stadium, Zanzibar City. The match will kickoff by 6pm Nigerian time.
What is at stake for Nigeria?
Eric Chelle’s side lost 1-0 to defending champions Senegal in their opener. Sudan, meanwhile, drew 1-1 against Congo on matchday one.
A defeat to Sudan will end Nigeria’s campaign at the CHAN. A win could, however, send the Super Eagles from bottom of Group D to second place.
What is the CHAN head-to-head between Nigeria and Sudan?
History is on Nigeria’s side in this fixture. The only previous CHAN meeting between the two was the 2018 semifinal in Marrakech, where Gabriel Okechukwu’s 16th-minute strike gave Nigeria a 1-0 win.
What is Nigeria and Sudan’s CHAN record?
This is Nigeria’s fourth CHAN appearance. They missed the 2020 and 2022 editions, with their best run in 2018 ending as runners-up to Morocco.
Sudan are also in their fourth tournament, with two third-place finishes. They are led by veteran Ghanaian coach Kwesi Appiah, who recently guided Sudan’s senior team to AFCON 2025 qualification.
Expected tactical battle
Nigeria will likely set up in Chelle’s preferred 4-4-2 diamond formation while Appiah’s Sudan are masters of the 4-5-1 strategy.
Sudan’s compact style will aim to frustrate Nigeria, relying on counter-attacks through star forward Ali Abdalla. Nigeria must press early, exploit the flanks, and stay alert to quick breaks.