Sudan 4-0 Nigeria: Super Eagles equal their worst-ever loss at African Nations Championship

Nigeria’s campaign at the 2024 African Nations Championship suffered a devastating blow with a 4-0 defeat to Sudan at Amaan Stadium, Zanzibar, confirming their early exit after back-to-back losses.

The defeat matched the Super Eagles heaviest loss in African Nations Championship history, equalling the 4-0 thrashing they suffered against Morocco in the 2018 final.

The Super Eagles B, led by Éric Chelle, had already been under pressure after a narrow 1-0 loss to Senegal in their opening game.

They started brightly against Sudan, enjoying over 60% possession in the early stages and thought they had taken the lead in the 22nd minute when Anthony Ijoma finished calmly, but VAR ruled the goal out for offside. 
Moments later, disaster struck — Abdel Yagoub’s strike hit the crossbar and bounced in off defender Leonard Ngenge for an own goal.

In first-half stoppage time, Ngenge’s night worsened as he conceded a penalty for handball, which Walieldin Khidir converted to make it 2-0.

Nigeria pushed forward after the restart but lacked precision in the final third, failing to register a single shot on target.

Defensive lapses cost them again, with Abdel Raouf scoring twice in six minutes — first in the 55th minute from close range, then with a superb volley off the crossbar — to complete Sudan’s rout.

Chelle’s five substitutions, including Qudus Akanni and Shola Adelani, brought no improvement. Adelani’s late booking summed up the team’s frustration.

With no goals scored and five conceded in two matches, Nigeria are out of the competition.

Their final Group D clash against the Republic of Congo next week will now be a formality, but it offers a last chance to restore some pride after a tournament to forget.

Wale Adejumo

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