CHAN: Kwesi Appiah warns Sudan ‘every Nigerian player is dangerous’

Sudan national team coach Kwesi Appiah has cautioned his players to be wary of Nigeria when the two sides face off in a crucial TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) fixture at the New Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar on Tuesday.

The experienced Ghanaian coach saw his side draw 1-1 against Congo, in a game they could have won, but defensive lapses proved costly. Now they will come up against a Super Eagles side, who lost their Group D opener 1-0 against defending champions Senegal.

“So far, preparation has gone really well,” Appiah said as quoted by CAFOnline.com. “Our last game against Congo didn’t go entirely our way, but now we have the opportunity to turn the tables.

“Training has been solid, and fortunately, we have no injury concerns. The boys are locked in — we’re focused on playing to our strengths.”

He added: “One game doesn’t define a team. Every Nigerian player is dangerous. We must be ready for a physically strong side with serious attacking intent. Many Sudanese players are most comfortable playing at home — they don’t like traveling.

“I’ve been working to change that mentality, to push them to embrace the challenges that come with international competition.”

A win for Sudan would put them within touching distance of the knockout rounds; while a win for Nigeria would drag them back into contention and keep the group’s fate undecided until the final day.