Nigeria’s Super Eagles B face Sudan in Zanzibar on Tuesday knowing defeat would almost certainly end their 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) campaign.
Eric Chelle’s side lost 1-0 to defending champions Senegal in their opener, while Sudan began with a 1-1 draw against Congo.
The Nigeria coach has stressed the need for a relentless approach, warning his players that only victory will keep their ambitions alive.
“We just want to win this game. Our project remains playing with intensity and aggression,” Chelle said.
Eric Chelle at the CHAN 2024 Press Conference ahead of Nigeria Vs Sudan clash in Zanzibar. Photo Credit: X
“To stay ambitious, we need to win this game against Sudan because we are a great football country.”
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Goalkeeper Mustapha Lawal could retain his place despite criticism over Senegal’s winner, while teenage centre-back Leonard Ngenge is expected to start again after a mixed debut.
In midfield, Michael Tochukwu and Olamilekan Adedayo are set to continue their partnership but will need to improve ball retention against Sudan’s packed midfield.
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Up front, the misfiring Sikiru Alimi may drop to the bench, with Anas Yusuf in contention to lead the line alongside Anthony Ijoma.
Winger Shola Adelani is also pushing for more minutes after a lively cameo.
Photo Credit: X
Sudan, under Ghanaian veteran Kwesi Appiah, are expected to maintain their disciplined 4-5-1 formation, with Ali Abdalla spearheading the attack.
The only previous CHAN meeting between the two came in the 2018 semi-finals, when Nigeria won 1-0 in Marrakech before losing to Morocco in the final. Sudan went on to finish third.
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This is Nigeria’s fourth appearance at the tournament, having missed the 2020 and 2022 editions. Their best finish was as runners-up in 2018. Sudan have twice reached the last four.
The match will kick off at 6pm Nigerian time.
