Nigeria’s home-based Super Eagles have been dumped out of the 8th African Nations Championship (CHAN) after suffering a humiliating 4-0 defeat to Sudan on Tuesday in Zanzibar.
The result followed a 1-0 loss to defending champions Senegal in their opening Group D fixture. This means the Eagles B are mathematically eliminated regardless of the outcome of their final group match against Congo in Dar es Salaam next week.
It also matches Nigeria’s joint-heaviest defeat in CHAN history – the same margin they suffered against Morocco in the 2018 final.
Ngenge’s nightmare opens the floodgates
The collapse began in the 23rd minute when Leonard Ngenge, already under scrutiny for his sluggish defending against Senegal, turned the ball into his own net.
Matters worsened just before halftime as the Ikorodu City defender conceded a penalty with a clumsy handball, allowing Daiyeen to calmly slot home from the spot.
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At 2-0 down, Nigeria looked lost, with their defensive shape collapsing under Sudan’s pressure. The Falcons of Jediane, who have not played domestic league football for a year due to conflict back home, showed far greater cohesion and purpose on the pitch.
Sudan turn up the heat
The second half offered no respite for the CHAN Eagles. Ten minutes after the restart, Yagoub Omer capitalised on shambolic defending to make it 3-0, finishing with precision as Nigeria’s backline was left chasing shadows.
Only seven minutes later, Omer struck again with a moment of audacity, blasting a shot off the underside of the crossbar and into the net, sealing a comprehensive victory for the Sudanese.
For Nigeria, it was a night to forget – one where they looked second-best in every department. With zero goals scored and five conceded in two games, the team’s early exit raises questions about preparation, quality, and mentality at this level.
Tags: Super Eagles B, Sudan, CHAN Eagles, #CHAN2024, Falcons of Jediane, Yagoub Omer, African Nations Championship, Leonard Ngenge.
