Nigeria’s senior men’s national team based at home, the Super Eagles B, will take on Sudan’s Falcons of Jediane at the 8th Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) today in Zanzibar in a do-or-die Group D encounter.
The draw comes after the Eagles’ narrow defeat to defending champions Senegal a week ago, when they let in the sole opposition shot on goal with just 15 minutes of play remaining. The result has left Nigeria requiring a victory in the 15,000-capacity Amaan Stadium if qualification aspirations are to be kept alive.
Head Coach Eric Chelle prioritized maximum points. “I just want to win this game against Sudan; this is my main objective. We are under pressure, but we are ambitious and must win. A win could yield positive outcomes to the team,” he said at Monday’s pre-match press conference.
Captain of the team Nduka Harrison Junior was no exception, saying: “The last match was a setback but not a disaster. We have a point to prove, and we are ready to correct our mistakes.”
Sudan, who were also disappointed after conceding a late equaliser in their 1–1 draw with Congo, are equally determined.
“Nigeria is one of the best countries in African football, and we respect them, but we will not fear them,” Sudan coach Kwesi Appiah said. “I don’t see any individual player as a threat, but the team as a whole.”
The high-stakes game kicks off at 6 p.m., with the two teams fighting to stay in contention for a spot in the knockout phases of the groundbreaking 19-nation tournament.
