In a stunning upset at the CHAN PAMOJA 2024 tournament, Sudan delivered a dominant 4-0 victory over Nigeria in Zanzibar, securing the top spot in Group D and eliminating the Super Eagles from contention with one match remaining.

Sudan’s clinical performance was highlighted by a first-half own goal from Nigeria’s Leonard Ngenge (25’) and a penalty converted by captain Walieldin Khdir (44’).

After the break, Abdel Raouf Yagoub sealed the win with a brace (55’, 62’), capping off a disciplined and ruthless display in the African Nations Championship.

The result leaves Nigeria at the bottom of the group with zero points, while Sudan and defending champions Senegal, who were held to a 1-1 draw by Congo, lead with four points each.

Match Breakdown

Nigeria started aggressively, testing Sudan’s goalkeeper Mohamed Abooja with early set pieces, including corners in the 8th and 9th minutes.

However, Sudan, under Ghanaian coach Kwesi Appiah, absorbed the pressure before capitalising on a pivotal moment.

In the 22nd minute, Anthony Ijoma’s apparent opening goal for Nigeria was disallowed by VAR for offside.

Just three minutes later, Sudan took the lead in unfortunate fashion for Nigeria; Yagoub’s shot struck the post and deflected in off Ngenge (25’).

Nigeria’s woes deepened before halftime when Ngenge conceded a penalty for handball (43’), allowing Khdir to double Sudan’s lead (44’).

Despite a triple substitution at halftime, Nigeria failed to mount a comeback. Instead, Sudan extended their lead as Yagoub netted twice in the second half (55’, 62’), showcasing sharp finishing and tactical discipline.

Nigeria’s frustrations were compounded by missed chances, including a late strike from Raymond Tochukwu that hit the post (90’).

With this defeat, Nigeria’s maximum possible points (three) are insufficient to advance, while Sudan and Senegal remain in strong contention for the knockout stages.