2024 CHAN: Sudan humiliate Nigeria 4-0

GistReel

Nigeria’s hopes at the 2024 African Nations Championship ended in embarrassment after a 4-0 thrashing by Sudan at Amaan Stadium, Zanzibar.

The result equals the Super Eagles’ heaviest defeat in the tournament’s history.

The loss mirrors the 4-0 hammering they suffered in the 2018 final against Morocco, sealing their early exit after back-to-back group stage defeats.

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

They started brightly against Sudan, enjoying over 60% possession early on and thought they had taken the lead in the 22nd minute when Anthony Ijoma finished calmly, only for VAR to rule it out for offside.

Moments later, Abdel Yagoub’s strike rattled the crossbar before deflecting in off defender Leonard Ngenge for an own goal.

Ngenge’s nightmare continued in first-half stoppage time when he conceded a penalty for handball, allowing Walieldin Khidir to make it 2-0.

Nigeria pressed forward after the break but failed to register a single shot on target, and defensive lapses proved costly again.

Abdel Raouf struck twice in six minutes, first from close range in the 55th minute, then with a stunning volley off the crossbar to complete the humiliation.

Five substitutions, including Qudus Akanni and Shola Adelani, failed to inspire a response, and Adelani’s late booking summed up a night to forget.

With no goals scored and five conceded in two games, Nigeria’s final Group D clash against the Republic of Congo next week is now meaningless, though it offers a slim chance to salvage pride.