Sudan head coach Kwesi Appiah has made it clear that while his side holds Nigeria in high regard, they will not be overawed when the two teams meet in their second Group game at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
The Falcons, who were denied victory in their opening match after conceding a late equaliser to Congo Brazzaville, now face a stern challenge against a Nigerian side equally desperate for points.
Nigeria, coming off a narrow 1-0 defeat to defending champions Senegal, will be looking to bounce back strongly. However, Sudan’s recent transformation under Appiah has turned them into a team capable of competing with Africa’s finest.
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Respect, but no fear
Speaking at Monday’s pre-match press conference, the Ghanaian tactician expressed admiration for Nigeria’s football pedigree but insisted that his team would not be intimidated.
“Nigeria is one of the biggest nations in African football and we respect them, but we won’t fear them,” Appiah stated with confidence.
With both teams still chasing their first victory in the tournament, the match promises to be a tightly contested affair. A win for Sudan would take them to four points, putting them in a strong position to reach the quarter-finals, while leaving Nigeria with no point. On the other hand, a draw would keep Sudan’s hopes alive at two points.
Quarter-final hopes on the line
Since taking over the Sudanese national team, Appiah has instilled belief and structure, helping the Falcons shed their underdog tag. This confidence, coupled with the pressure on Nigeria to recover from their opening defeat, sets the stage for a potentially explosive showdown.
Both teams know that anything less than a win could complicate their path to the knockout rounds. This makes Tuesday’s clash more than just a group fixture – it could be the turning point in their CHAN campaigns.
Tags: CHAN Eagles, CHAN 2024, Sudan, Kwesi Appiah, Ghana, #CHAN2024, Falcons, Congo Brazzaville, Falcons, Senegal.
