Sudan Stun Super Eagles B With 4-0 Thrashing In CHAN Exit.
Nigeria’s Super Eagles B suffered a crushing 4-0 defeat to Sudan in their second Group D match at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) in Zanzibar on Tuesday, 12 August 2025, sealing their elimination from the tournament. The loss, one of Nigeria’s heaviest in CHAN history, has sparked outrage among fans and raised questions about the team’s preparation and tactics.
The match at Amaan Stadium began with promise for Nigeria, who controlled possession early on. However, hopes were dashed when a goal by Anthony Ijoma was disallowed for offside in the 22nd minute. Sudan capitalised swiftly, with defender Leonard Ngenge inadvertently scoring an own goal in the 23rd minute after a shot from Abdel Yagoub struck the post. Ngenge’s woes continued as he conceded a penalty just before halftime, which Walieldin Khidir converted to make it 2-0.
The second half saw Sudan, coached by Ghanaian Kwesi Appiah, dominate further. Yagoub Omer scored twice, first in the 55th minute with a clinical finish, then in the 62nd with a spectacular volley off the crossbar, completing Nigeria’s rout. The Super Eagles B, led by Eric Chelle, failed to register a single shot on target, exposing defensive frailties and a lack of attacking cohesion.
Chelle, under fire after a 1-0 loss to Senegal in the opener, admitted the team’s errors, stating, “Four goals, four mistakes. We lost focus after the first 20 minutes.” He cited the loss of key players to foreign clubs as a factor, but fans have called for his sacking, criticising his squad selection and tactical approach. Sudan’s Appiah, meanwhile, praised his team’s discipline and ruthlessness, which propelled them to the top of Group D with four points.
The defeat marks Nigeria’s second consecutive group-stage exit in CHAN, equalling their 4-0 loss to Morocco in the 2018 final as the joint-worst in the tournament’s history. With zero points and no goals scored, Nigeria face a meaningless final group match against Congo on 19 August 2025. The result has cast a shadow over the Nigeria Premier Football League, with many questioning the quality of domestic talent and the Nigeria Football Federation’s decision to replace coach Daniel Ogunmodede with Chelle before the tournament.
