Sudan’s Sudan national football team didn’t just win—they dismantled expectations. On August 12, 2024, at Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar, the Falcons crushed the Nigeria Super Eagles 4–0 in a Group D clash of the TotalEnergies CHAN 2024Zanzibar, sending the higher-ranked Super Eagles packing with one match still to play. The man behind the destruction? Abdel Raouf Yagoub, whose two goals in the 55th and 62nd minutes sealed Nigeria’s fate. But this wasn’t just about Yagoub. It was about discipline, opportunism, and a team that refused to be intimidated.
The Shock That Shook the Tournament
When the whistle blew at halftime, Sudan was already up 2–0. An own goal by Nigeria’s Leonard Ngenge in the 25th minute had stunned the Super Eagles, and then came the penalty—converted coolly by Walieldin Khdir in the 44th minute. No one expected this. Nigeria, a powerhouse in African football, had entered the tournament as favorites. But from the first whistle, Sudan’s defense, marshaled by goalkeeper El Nur, was impenetrable. Nigeria’s shots either flew wide or were smothered. Even when they hit the woodwork, the ball refused to go in.
Then came the second half. Yagoub struck first, latching onto a loose ball after a failed clearance and firing low past Slo Mustafa. Minutes later, he was at it again—this time with a curling right-footed shot that left the Nigerian keeper rooted. The crowd, a sea of white and green, erupted. On the sidelines, Sudan’s coach, Kwesi Appiah, a Ghanaian tactician known for his calm demeanor, barely smiled. He’d seen this coming. His team had trained for this moment: compact, patient, punishing mistakes.
How Nigeria Crumbled
The numbers don’t lie. Nigeria had zero goals in two games. Zero wins. Zero points. Even if they beat Congo in their final match, they could only reach three points. With Sudan and Senegal both sitting on four, Nigeria couldn’t finish in the top two. Mathematically, it was over. The CAF official report called it “the shock of CHAN PAMOJA 2024 so far.” And it was. Nigeria’s last appearance in the knockout stages was in 2020. Now, they’re out before the group stage ends.
There were signs. Nigeria’s midfield lacked rhythm. Their forwards looked disconnected. And when pressure came, they broke. That’s what happens when confidence evaporates. After Khdir’s penalty, Ngenge was visibly shaken. Commentary from SPORTS FILA captured the moment: “Lal Mustafa walked up to him. Had a few words—heart-to-heart.” That’s the kind of moment that stays with a team long after the final whistle.
Sudan’s Rise: Discipline Over Stars
What made this win so remarkable wasn’t just the scoreline—it was the context. CHAN is unique. No foreign-based players. Only domestic league talent. Sudan’s squad? Mostly from the Sudan Premier League. No big names. No European contracts. Just grit. And now, they’re top of Group D. Their record: played 2, won 1, drawn 1, lost 0. Goals for: 5. Goals against: 1. That’s elite defensive organization. And Yagoub? Named TotalEnergies Man of the Match for his brace. He didn’t just score—he changed the tournament’s narrative.
Senegal, their next opponent, also has four points. The final group match—Sudan vs. Senegal—isn’t just a game. It’s a de facto semifinal. A draw might be enough if Congo doesn’t win. A win? That’s a statement. Sudan isn’t just here to participate anymore. They’re here to win.
What’s Next for Both Teams
Sudan’s players will fly home with their heads held high. But the real test is ahead. Can they handle the pressure of being favorites? Can they replicate this performance against Senegal’s attacking firepower? The answer could define Sudanese football for a generation.
For Nigeria, the questions are heavier. Why did the squad look so disjointed? Why was there no plan B? Why did experienced players look lost? The Nigerian Football Federation now faces a reckoning. This isn’t just a loss—it’s a failure of preparation, selection, and leadership. Fans are already calling for changes. Coaches are being questioned. The Super Eagles, once a symbol of African football excellence, now need rebuilding.
Why CHAN Matters
This tournament isn’t just a sideshow. It’s the only continental competition where homegrown talent—players who never leave their country’s leagues—get the spotlight. For Sudan, it’s a chance to prove they can compete without importing stars. For Nigeria, it’s a mirror. And right now, the reflection isn’t pretty.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Sudan qualify for CHAN 2024 without foreign-based players?
Sudan qualified through the CHAN preliminary rounds, relying solely on players active in the Sudan Premier League. Unlike the Africa Cup of Nations, CHAN excludes overseas-based athletes, making domestic league performances critical. Sudan’s squad featured players from clubs like Al-Hilal Omdurman and Al-Merrikh, who earned their spots through consistent domestic form and national team call-ups.
What does Nigeria’s elimination mean for their football future?
Nigeria’s early exit exposes deep structural issues: poor scouting, lack of tactical cohesion, and over-reliance on past glory. With no foreign-based players in CHAN, the NFF must now invest in domestic league development and youth systems. Failure to reform could mean more early exits in future tournaments, further eroding confidence in Nigerian football.
Why was Abdel Raouf Yagoub named Man of the Match?
Yagoub scored two decisive goals in the second half, turning a 2–0 lead into a crushing 4–0 win. His movement off the ball, clinical finishing, and composure under pressure stood out in a match where Nigeria’s defense was disorganized. His performance was the catalyst for Sudan’s historic victory, making him the clear standout on a team that played with unity and purpose.
Who are Sudan’s biggest rivals in Group D now?
Senegal, also with four points, is Sudan’s direct rival for top spot. Senegal’s defense is solid, but their attack lacks the same clinical edge Sudan showed against Nigeria. A draw in their final match could send both teams through, but if Congo beats Nigeria, Senegal might need to win to advance. The final group clash on August 16 will decide everything.
Can Sudan realistically win CHAN 2024?
It’s unlikely but not impossible. Sudan’s defense is world-class for this tournament, and Yagoub’s form is contagious. But to win it all, they’ll need to beat stronger teams in the knockout stage—likely Cameroon, Morocco, or Algeria. Their path is tough, but CHAN has seen underdogs win before. If they keep playing with this intensity, they could surprise everyone.
What impact does this result have on African football as a whole?
This result proves that African football isn’t just about big names and foreign leagues. Sudan’s win is a reminder that discipline, teamwork, and homegrown talent can beat star-studded sides. It encourages smaller nations to invest in domestic leagues and youth development. For once, the narrative isn’t about Nigeria or Egypt—it’s about a team that earned every inch of their triumph.
sunil kumar
November 12, 2025 at 13:41
Yagoub’s brace was clinical, but what stood out was Sudan’s defensive structure. Every player knew their role, and the midfield press was perfectly timed. Nigeria looked like they were playing against a wall, not a team. This isn’t luck-it’s coaching.