Nigeria’s home-based Super Eagles have crashed out of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) after suffering a humiliating 4–0 defeat to Sudan in Zanzibar on Tuesday evening, sealing their exit before the final group game.
The result, which matched Nigeria’s heaviest loss in the tournament’s history a repeat of the 2018 final scoreline against Morocco leaves the team without a single point after two Group D matches.
Defender Leonard Ngenge endured a nightmare outing, first putting the ball into his own net in the 23rd minute before conceding a penalty just before half-time. Sudan’s Daiyeen made no mistake from the spot, sending goalkeeper Lawal Mustapha the wrong way to double the lead.
The second half brought no respite. Ten minutes after the restart, Yagoub Omer finished off a sweeping Sudanese move to make it 3–0, with Nigeria’s defence once again carved open with ease. Seven minutes later, Omer struck again this time with a thunderous effort that rattled the underside of the crossbar before crossing the line.
The back-to-back defeats first a 1–0 loss to Senegal, then this emphatic Sudan victory mean Nigeria’s final group match against Congo in Dar es Salaam will be a mere formality.
National team followers have reacted with anger and disappointment, describing the display as one of the lowest points in Nigeria’s CHAN history. The Nigerian Football Federation is now expected to review the team’s preparation and performance ahead of future tournaments.
Sudan, meanwhile, have booked their spot in the knockout stages and will face Senegal in a top-of-the-table clash, while Nigeria are left to play for pride in their closing fixture.
