The home-based Eagles of Nigeria have been knocked out during the group stage of the African Nations Championships (CHAN), which is jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. On Tuesday, the squad, led by coach Eric Chelle, endured a significant 4-0 loss to Sudan in their second match held at Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar, Tanzania.
This defeat signifies Nigeria’s second straight loss in the tournament, following their prior setback against Senegal in the first match.
Consequently, Nigeria finds itself at the bottom of Group D with no points, while Senegal and Sudan occupy the two automatic qualifying positions, each with four points.
During the encounter with Sudan, Ikorodu City’s Leonard Ngege played a crucial role in Nigeria’s disappointing display, which included players from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL). Ngege accidentally netted an own goal in the 25th minute, giving Sudan the lead.
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Shortly before halftime, he committed a handball in the penalty area, leading to a penalty for Sudan. The Sudanese captain, Walieldin Khedr, successfully converted the penalty kick, outsmarting goalkeeper Mustapha Lawal to increase Sudan’s lead.
In between those two goals, Nigeria believed they had scored through Anthony Ijoma, but the goal was ruled out for offside after a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) check.
Sudan added to their advantage early in the second half when Abdel Raouf took advantage of space to score from the edge of the penalty area. Raouf capped off Nigeria’s defeat with another outstanding goal shortly thereafter.
The home-based Eagles will finish their group stage matches against Congo Brazzaville on August 19.
