Nigeria’s 2024 African Nations Championship campaign ended in disappointment after a heavy 4-0 defeat to Sudan in their second Group D match at Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar City, MySportDab Reports.
Following a 1-0 loss to defending champions Senegal in their opener, the Super Eagles were desperate for a turnaround.
They started brightly, applying early set-piece pressure, and thought they had taken the lead in the 22nd minute when Anthony Ijoma broke through to score. However, VAR ruled the effort offside.
Sudan capitalised almost immediately. In the 25th minute, Yagoub’s shot struck the post and deflected off Nigerian defender Leonard Ngenge into the net for an own goal.
Things worsened just before half-time when Ngenge handled the ball in the area.
Captain Walieldin Khdir stepped up to convert the penalty, giving the Falcons of Jediane a 2-0 cushion at the break.
Nigeria coach Eric Chelle made three changes at half-time, introducing Steven Manyo, Jabbar Malik, and Vincent Temitope to inject energy. But Sudan tightened their grip on the game.
Abdel Raouf struck in the 55th minute with a fierce left-footed effort, before adding his second just seven minutes later to complete a memorable brace.
The defeat leaves Nigeria bottom of the group with no points, set to face Congo in their final match with only pride at stake.
Sudan, coached by James Kwesi Appiah, now sit top of Group D and will meet Senegal in a potentially decisive clash.
A draw could be enough for qualification, while a victory would guarantee a place in the knockout stage.
For Nigeria, the result raises serious questions over team structure, selection choices, and their ability to perform at major tournaments.
