Nigeria crashes out of CHAN with humiliating defeat to Sudan

Nigeria are surprisingly the first team to be eliminated at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) after Tuesday’s 0-4 Group D humiliation at the hands of Sudan at the Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar.

The Super Eagles B appeared set for a successful outing on Tuesday evening when Anthony Ijoma got behind the Sudanese defense and finished in the 22nd minute. However, a VAR review disallowed the goal due to offsides and moments later disaster struck when Nigeria defender Leonard Ngenge turned the ball into his own goal after Abdel Raouf’s initial volleyed effort ricocheted off the post.

Ngenge’s miserable tournament continued just before halftime. A lofted ball into the Nigerian penalty area saw the Remo Stars player jump to head clear but Ngenge mistimed his jump and then got tangled up with a teammate, causing the ball to touch his outstretched arm. Awarded a penalty kick, Sudan midfielder Walieldin Khidir placed his spot kick into the top corner.

Eric Chelle’s Nigeria team looked completely dejected by halftime and it only got worse. Abdel Raouf put the final nails in the coffin for the Super Eagles B, making it 3-o with an excellent low finish in the 55th minute. Seven minutes later, he produced his best effort yet with a volley in off the crossbar to deal Nigeria a result tied for their worst-ever at the CHAN after previously losing the final of 2018 edition to Morocco by the same score.

Sudan are now tied atop Group D with Senegal on four points from two games before the two teams clash to conclude Group D next Tuesday. Nigeria will face Congo on the same day with nothing to play for while Congo need a victory to overtake Sudan or Senegal and reach the quarterfinals.

Group D Table (after 2 games)

1. Sudan- 4 points
2. Senegal- 4 points
3. Congo- 2 points
4. Nigeria- 0 points