Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle cut a dejected figure after his side’s 4-0 defeat to Sudan ended their 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) campaign in Zanzibar.
The Super Eagles B – nicknamed the “Super Chickens” by frustrated fans have endured a torrid tournament, losing both group matches without scoring.
They are the only team at CHAN 2024 to concede five goals without finding the net.
Eric Chelle drinking water during the Press conference in CHAN 2024. Photo Credit: X
Chelle was barely audible as he faced reporters, clearly shaken by back-to-back losses that left Nigeria bottom of their group.
“We made four mistakes and we conceded four goals,” he said. “Look at the goals we conceded. it’s difficult. We have made a lot of mistakes in these two games.”
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Nigeria’s campaign began with a 1-0 defeat to Senegal before defensive errors against Sudan saw Leonard Ngenge score an own goal and concede a penalty.
Second-half goals from Mohamed Yagoub and Abdelrahman Khalifa sealed their fate.
Reflecting on the match, Sudan coach Kwesi Appiah explained his team’s approach:
I wasn’t expecting that scoreline,” Appiah said. “I knew we could beat Nigeria but not by that margin. The Nigerian team is not bad. They just need tactical improvements”
Kwesi Appiah in the Press room after leading Sudan pass Nigeria. Photo Credit: X
Chelle, appointed earlier this year, admitted his side’s defensive lapses and lack of composure in key moments proved costly, bringing an abrupt end to their CHAN journey.
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Super Eagles B next face Congo in their dead rubber final group game.
