Nigeria’s home-based Super Eagles face a pivotal moment in their 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) campaign when they take on Sudan in a crunch Group D encounter on Tuesday evening in Zanzibar City.
The stakes are high for Eric Chelle’s side, who find themselves rooted to the bottom of the group after a narrow 1-0 defeat to defending champions Senegal on the opening day.
While the performance against Senegal was spirited, a brief lapse in concentration midway through the second half proved costly, leaving Nigeria as the only side in the group without a point.
By contrast, Sudan were forced to a 1-1 draw by Congo in their first game, a result that leaves them with a precious point and a small cushion ahead of this contest. For Nigeria, another loss would certainly spell elimination, while a victory could ignite their tournament and restore belief in their title ambitions.
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Nigeria’s CHAN record
Nigeria are participating in only their fourth CHAN, having missed the 2020 and 2022 editions. Their best performance came in 2018, when they reached the final before falling to Morocco.
That run included a 1-0 semifinal win over Sudan, their only previous meeting at this tournament, thanks to Gabriel Okechukwu’s 16th-minute strike in Marrakech.
The current Super Eagles B squad may lack CHAN pedigree but they possess talent.
Yet, Sudan, making their fourth appearance as well, are battle-hardened.
They have twice finished third and boast the tactical acumen of Ghanaian veteran coach James Kwesi Appiah, who recently led Sudan’s senior side to qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Team news
Nigeria were forced to start without first-choice goalkeeper Ozoemena Ani against Senegal due to a late fitness setback.
In his place, Mustapha Lawal deputised, but his role in Senegal’s winning goal means Chelle might reconsider his options. If Ani remains unavailable, Chelle could stick with Lawal.
Chelle also has a crucial decision to make regarding teenager Leonard Ngenge at the heart of the defence.
Ngenge impressed for the most part against Senegal but the 17-year-old Ikorodu City defender has to share some blame for the goal Nigeria conceded.
The midfield pairing of Remo Stars’ Michael Tochukwu and Olamilekan Adedayo must raise their level if Nigeria are to control proceedings.
Up front, the misfiring Sikiru Alimi could make way for Nasarawa United’s Anas Yusuf, while Anthony Ijoma may retain his place. Ikorodu City’s Shola Adelani offers pace and directness from the bench.
Nigeria’s possible XI (4-4-2):
Ani; Sadiq, Nduka, Ngenge, Abdulrafiu; Malik, Tochukwu, Adedayo, Akanni; Yusuf, Ijoma.
Sudan’s possible XI (4-5-1):
Saeed; Abdalla, Simbo, Boshara, Abdalla (c); Adil, Fadl, Hussein, Omer, Khidir; Ali Abdalla.
Head-to-head history
Their 2018 meeting remains the only CHAN clash between the two.
Both were unbeaten until that semifinal, where Nigeria edged through 1-0. Sudan responded by defeating Libya on penalties to secure third place.
Match details
- Fixture: Nigeria vs Sudan
- Competition: 2024 CHAN, Group D, Matchday 2
- Venue: Amaan Stadium, Zanzibar City
- Date: Tuesday, 12 August 2025
- Kick-off: 6:00pm (Nigerian time)
Prediction
On paper, Nigeria have the more technically gifted squad, with creative midfielders and pacy forwards capable of unlocking tight defences.
However, Sudan’s compact 4-5-1, under the experienced eye of Appiah, is built to frustrate opponents and strike on the break.
Nigeria will need to press aggressively from the outset, forcing Sudan’s midfield into errors and creating overloads on the wings. Chelle’s men must also remain disciplined at the back, avoiding the lapses that cost them against Senegal.
Expect Sudan to sit deep and look to spring Ali Abdalla on the counter. Nigeria’s breakthrough may come from set-pieces, with aerial threats like Nduka and Yusuf key.
If the Super Eagles B convert early pressure into a goal, the game could tilt decisively in their favour.
- Predicted scoreline: Nigeria 2-1 Sudan