Sudan stunned the football world at the CHAN Pamoja 2024, handing Nigeria a crushing 4–0 defeat in Zanzibar to move to the top of Group D and dump the Super Eagles out of the competition with one game still to play.
A calamitous own goal from Leonard Ngenge opened the floodgates before skipper Walieldin Khdir converted a penalty to double Sudan’s advantage before halftime.
After the break, Abdel Raouf Yagoub delivered a masterclass, netting twice to seal a memorable night for Kwesi Appiah’s men.
Nigeria’s elimination was confirmed as they remained rooted to the bottom of the group with no points and no goals from two matches.
The Super Eagles began on the front foot, forcing early saves from goalkeeper Mohamed Abooja and even celebrating briefly when Anthony Ijoma slotted home in the 22nd minute, only for VAR to chalk it off for offside.
Moments later, Sudan struck in bizarre fashion as Yagoub’s shot hit the post and rebounded in off the unlucky Ngenge.
Things unraveled further for Nigeria just before the interval when Ngenge handled in the box, allowing Khdir to rifle a spot-kick into the top corner.
Nigeria pushed for a response after the restart, but Sudan’s discipline and quick breaks proved decisive.
Yagoub made it 3–0 with a composed finish into the corner, then grabbed his second minutes later, smashing home from the middle of the box after Sudan won possession high up the pitch.
From there, Appiah’s side controlled the tempo, closing down spaces and limiting Nigeria to half-chances.
Abooja stayed sharp, keeping out Steven Manyo’s header, while Tochukwu rattled the post late on in a frustrating night for the West Africans.
The emphatic win puts Sudan ahead of Senegal on goal difference, with both sides on four points. Congo are third with two points, while Nigeria sit last with zero and are mathematically out of contention.
The final round will see Sudan and Senegal battle for top spot, while Nigeria face Congo with nothing but pride at stake.
It was a night where Sudan’s organisation, intensity, and clinical finishing brought their coach’s game plan to life. For Nigeria, it was an evening of missed chances, costly mistakes, and defensive lapses.
In Zanzibar, the Falcons of Jediane soared to new heights, while the Super Eagles crashed out of the sky.