CHAN 2024: Super Eagles B face Sudan in must-win clash in Zanzibar

By Dayo Awoniyi

Nigeria’s home-based Super Eagles B are preparing for a decisive Group D encounter against Sudan in the ongoing African Nations Championship (CHAN) on Tuesday, knowing that only a victory will keep their tournament hopes alive.

Following a narrow 1–0 defeat to defending champions Senegal in their opening match, the pressure is now firmly on Nigeria to secure three points at the 15,000-capacity Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar.

The loss came after Senegal converted their only shot on target in the final 15 minutes, leaving Nigeria with no margin for error in their remaining group fixtures.

The stakes are high in this edition of the CHAN, which features 19 teams and an unusual group format. For Nigeria—the 2018 runners-up—defeat to Sudan would almost certainly end their campaign.

Victory on Tuesday, followed by a strong result against Congo, is essential to their qualification hopes as head coach Eric Chelle acknowledged the intensity of the challenge.

“I just want to win this game against Sudan; this is my game project,” Chelle said.

“We are under pressure, but we are ambitious and must win tomorrow. This game is the most important for us because a win can bring something good for the team.”

Team captain Nduka Harrison Junior echoed his coach’s resolve.

“We want to take each game as it comes, and next for us is Sudan. The previous game was a setback and not a disaster. We have a point to prove, and we are ready to correct our mistakes.”

Sudan are also in search of redemption after conceding a late equalizer in their 1–1 draw with Congo. Their head coach, Kwesi Appiah, praised Nigeria’s pedigree while emphasizing that his side will not be intimidated.

“Nigeria is one of the biggest nations in African football and we respect them, but we won’t fear them,” Appiah said.

“I don’t believe in rivalry; this is a game and the best team will win. I’ve watched only one of their games and can’t assess them based on that. I don’t see any player as a threat, but the entire team.”

Kick-off is set for 6:00 p.m. local time, with both teams aware that a loss could mark the end of their CHAN 2024 journey.

Samuel Ahmadu

Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. On the back of domestic engagement since 2008, he began his international career journey at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams.In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.

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