AFCON 2025
Nigeria’s hopes at the 2024 African Nations Championship ended in humiliation on Tuesday night after the Super Eagles B suffered a crushing 4-0 loss to Sudan in their second Group D match in Zanzibar.
The game unravelled early when defender Leonard Ngenge turned the ball into his own net in the 25th minute. Sudan doubled their lead just before half-time through Walieldin Khidir’s penalty, before Ahmed Tabanja’s quickfire brace in the 55th and 62nd minutes sealed Nigeria’s fate.
The result, coming after a 1-0 defeat to Senegal in their opener, confirmed the team’s elimination with a game to spare.
The performance sparked a storm of criticism from fans on social media, with many branding it a “national disgrace.” Supporters slammed the team’s defending and lack of creativity, while several called for head coach Eric Chelle to resign immediately.
Comments described the display as “clueless” and “careless,” with some suggesting the players lacked the quality to represent the country.
Many also called for the development of the Nigerian league as this elimination is a pointer to the fact that home based players do not possess the quality to represent on the bigger stage.
Chelle, who took charge earlier this year, now faces intense pressure ahead of the final group match against Congo next week.
For many Nigerians, however, the damage is already done, and calls for sweeping changes in the home-based setup are growing louder.
