It was a night of pure shock in Zanzibar as Sudan tore through Nigeria’s Super Eagles, delivering a ruthless 4–0 demolition that not only booted Nigeria out of the African Nations Championship but also catapulted Sudan to the top of Group D.
First Half: VAR Twist and Double Disaster
Nigeria thought they had the perfect start in the 22nd minute when Anthony Ijoma rifled the ball into the net—but VAR’s cold verdict for offside snatched it away.
Barely three minutes later, Sudan pounced. Abdel Raouf Yagoub’s strike clattered off the post, rebounding cruelly off Nigeria’s Leonard Ngenge for an own goal. As if that wasn’t enough misery, Ngenge’s night worsened when a handball in the 43rd minute gifted Sudan a penalty. Captain Walieldin Khdir stepped up with icy precision to make it 2–0 before the break.
Second Half: Yagoub Turns the Knife
Nigeria rang the changes at halftime—Steven Manyo, Jabbar Malik, and Vincent Temitope all thrown into the fray—but the tide didn’t turn. Sudan stayed relentless.
In the 55th minute, Yagoub ghosted into the box and slotted home with his left foot for 3–0. Seven minutes later, he completed his brace with a composed finish from the heart of the penalty area. At 4–0, Sudan shifted into cruise control, bossing possession and dictating the tempo to the final whistle.
Aftermath: Group D Shaken
Sudan: Top of Group D with 4 points, level with defending champions Senegal, who were held 1–1 by Congo.
Nigeria: Two losses, zero points, and officially eliminated from CHAN 2024.
Match Highlights at a Glance
| Minute | Event | Scorer/Player |
|---|---|---|
| 22’ | Disallowed Goal | Anthony Ijoma (offside) |
| 25’ | Own Goal | Leonard Ngenge (via Yagoub shot) |
| 44’ | Penalty Goal | Walieldin Khdir |
| 55’ | Goal | Abdel Raouf Yagoub |
| 62’ | Goal | Abdel Raouf Yagoub |
