Disappointing Super Eagles of Nigeria were thumped 4-0 by Sudan in their group D clash at the ongoing CHAN tournament in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, www.aclsports.com reports.
An own-goal from Leonard Ngenge, Khdir Safour’s penalty, and a brace from Taha Yagoub in the second half helped the Falcons of Jediane claim a comfortable win at the Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar on Tuesday night.
Eric Chelle made two changes to his starting XI from the defeat to Senegal in the previous game. Taofeeq Otaniyi and Haruna Hadi came in from Jabbar Malik and Qudus Akanni. Meanwhile, left-back Taiwo Abdulrafiu recovered from a knock in the last game against the defending champions to start once again.
Nigeria made a bright start to the game, winning the second balls, having more of the ball possession in the opening exchanges. Sodiq Ismail’s corner threatened early on, but Sudan goalkeeper Mohamed Saeed got a good hand on it to clear danger.
Moments later, Tochukwu Michael tried his luck from distance, but it lacked the direction and power to trouble Saeed. Similarly, Sudan’s Ahmed Yousif also tried his luck from range after Tochukwu’s attempted pass was intercepted, but his effort went off target.
Nigeria thought they have taken the lead when Anthony Ijoma raced onto Adedayo Olamilekan’s throughball to score, but the striker’s goal was chalked off for offside after a VAR check. Moments after the restart, Sudan got the game’s opening goal through Leonard Ngenge’s bizarre own-goal.
In response, Haruna Hadi fired his effort over the bar, while Sikiru Alimi headed into the side netting after some good work from Taiwo Abdulrafiu down the left side. Nigeria finished the half without testing goalkeeper Mohamed Saeed.
However, things went from bad to worse for Nigeria when Leonard handled the ball in the area. Sudan skipper Khdir Safour stepped up and sent Mustapha Lawal the wrong way to double his side’s lead in the 44th minute of the game. The Falcons of Jediane took the lead into the break.
Chelle opted for changes at the break, sending on Jabbar Malik, Vincent Temitope, and Stephen Manyo for the trio of Leonard Ngenge, Taofeeq Otaniyi, and Haruna Hadi. However, it was the Falcons of Jediane who added to their tally through a pair of goals from Taha Yagoub in the 55th and 62nd minutes. Sudan finished as well-deserved winners, while Nigeria exit the competition without a point after two games.
The thumped Eagles will now face Congo in a dead-rubber match in their final group game next Tuesday at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, while Sudan and Senegal will trade tackles at the Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar.
