Nigeria’s Super Eagles B Crash Out of CHAN 2024 After Heavy Defeat to Sudan

Zanzibar, Tanzania — Nigeria’s hopes at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) came crashing down on Tuesday as the Super Eagles B suffered a humiliating 4-0 defeat against Sudan. The loss, which follows last week’s 1-0 setback against defending champions Senegal, confirms Nigeria’s early elimination from the tournament with one group match still remaining.

A Night to Forget for Eric Chelle’s Side

Under the guidance of coach Eric Chelle, the Nigerian team needed victory to keep their knockout stage hopes alive. Instead, they delivered their worst performance of the competition, matching their heaviest defeat in CHAN history – a 4-0 loss to Morocco in the 2018 final.

The Sudanese team dominated proceedings from the opening whistle, exposing defensive frailties in the Nigerian backline. After having a first-half goal controversially ruled out for offside, Nigeria’s woes compounded when they conceded an own goal followed by Walieldin Kedir’s strike before halftime.

Second Half Collapse Seals Fate

The second half brought no respite for the West Africans as Sudan continued their relentless attack. The match was effectively put beyond doubt when Omer unleashed a spectacular strike that rattled off the crossbar before nestling in the net, leaving Nigerian goalkeeper Mustapha with no chance.

This comprehensive defeat means Nigeria cannot progress from Group D regardless of their result against Congo in Dar es Salaam next Tuesday. The early exit marks a significant setback for Nigerian football, particularly after the senior Super Eagles’ strong showing at the recent Africa Cup of Nations.

Historical Context and Future Implications

The CHAN tournament, established in 2009, features national teams composed exclusively of players active in their domestic leagues. Nigeria’s performance this year equals their worst showing in the competition’s history, raising serious questions about the state of the country’s home-based players.

Football analysts are already questioning the preparation and selection process for the tournament, with many calling for a thorough review of Nigeria’s domestic football structure. The heavy defeat comes at a time when Nigerian football administrators are pushing for greater recognition and development of local league talent.

For Sudan, the victory keeps their knockout stage hopes alive and serves as one of their most impressive results in recent continental competitions. The North African side demonstrated clinical finishing and tactical discipline that Nigeria failed to match throughout the 90 minutes.

What’s Next for Nigerian Football?

With elimination confirmed, attention now turns to Nigeria’s final group match against Congo. While the game holds no competitive significance for the Super Eagles B, it represents an opportunity to restore some pride and provide valuable experience for the domestic-based players.

The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) will likely face scrutiny over the team’s preparation and performance. This early exit follows a pattern of inconsistent results for Nigeria’s B team in recent years, highlighting the need for a more structured approach to developing homegrown talent.

As the CHAN tournament continues without Nigerian participation, football fans across the country will be hoping this disappointing result serves as a wake-up call for administrators and technical officials to address the systemic issues plaguing the domestic game.