The Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar is set to host a crucial Group D encounter in the CAF African Nations Championship, tagged (CHAN) 2024, as Nigeria’s Home Eagles face off against Sudan.
Nigeria, considered strong contenders for the title, find themselves at the bottom of Group D with zero points after a disappointing 1-0 loss to reigning champions Senegal in their opener.
Sudan, on the other hand, salvaged a point in their first game with a 1-1 draw against Congo. While a draw isn’t ideal, it gives them a slight edge over Nigeria. The clash kicks off at 6pm (WAT) from the Amaan Stadium.
A win for Nigeria could revive their CHAN journey. For Sudan? It would fuel a campaign built on resilience, belief, and quiet determination.
PREVIEW
Under the guidance of experienced Ghanaian coach Kwesi Appiah, Sudan will be looking to capitalize on Nigeria’s shaky start and build momentum.
For Coach Eric Chelle’s men, this is a must-win fixture for Nigeria to keep their CHAN dreams alive. Anything less than three points would almost certainly spell an early exit from the tournament.
Nigeria, who lost 1-0 in its opening match to defending champions Senegal, are bottom of Group D with zero points fighting for survival, while For Sudan sits third in Group D with one point.
Home Eagles and Super Eagles coach, Chelle, was blunt about the stakes.
“I just want to win the game,” he said. “It’s my game project. I know that it’s a game project that rewards a lot of intensity and aggression. To stay ambitious, we need to win this game against Sudan.”
Chelle admitted that the pressure is immense following the defeat to Senegal: “I know there is pressure on us, and it’s normal.”
“We are a big country, a great football nation, and we need to do better in the next game,” he added.
“The reality now is that we are low, but we are together as a unit. If we get the three points after the game, it will breathe more life into the group.”
Nigeria’s squad news offers mixed fortunes. Left-back Taiwo Abdulrafiu, who limped off against Senegal, is fit to return.
But first-choice goalkeeper Ani Ozoemena remains sidelined with a knee injury, meaning Ebenezer will start between the posts.
- Read more: Home Eagles Eye Historic First CHAN Title
SUDAN
In it’s openig encounter at the tournament, Sudan were held to a 1-1 draw with Congo, in a game they could have won, but defensive lapses proved costly.
Sudan had Congo on the ropes but lost their grip in the final minutes. It’s a lesson Appiah doesn’t want repeated and he’s made that clear.
For Sudan’s head coach Kwesi Appiah, the match against Nigeria is not just another match, it’s a chance to set the record straight.
“So far, preparation has gone really well,” said Appiah, speaking with composed confidence. “Our last game against Congo didn’t go entirely our way, but now we have the opportunity to turn the tables.”
Nigeria may have stumbled in their opener against Senegal, but Appiah isn’t buying into any narratives of weakness.
“One game doesn’t define a team,” he cautioned. “Every Nigerian player is dangerous. We must be ready for a physically strong side with serious attacking intent.”
For Sudan, it’s a chance to build momentum in a campaign fuelled by belief and resilience. For Nigeria, it’s pure survival — a “do-or-die” scrap to keep their African Nations Championship hopes alive.
Two different journeys now converge under the same pressure: win or risk an early exit in the competition. With both teams desperate for points, this clash could explode into one of the group stage’s most compelling contests.
Sudan currently sit third in Group D with one point; Nigeria, bottom with none, know a loss would almost certainly send them packing.
A win for Sudan would put them within touching distance of the knockout rounds; a win for Nigeria would drag them back into contention and keep the group’s fate undecided until the final day.
Whatever the outcome, expect intensity from the first whistle — because for both sides, the margins for error have already disappeared.
