Sudan’s Ghanaian coach Kwesi Appiah. Photo by IMAGO
Sudan head coach Kwesi Appiah has sent a bold message to Nigeria’s home-based Super Eagles ahead of their make-or-break clash at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), Soccernet.ng reports.
The Ghanaian tactician has made it clear that his brave Sudan will face the West African giant without fear.
The two sides meet on Tuesday evening at the 15,000-capacity Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar for a crucial Group D encounter.
Nigeria, who began their campaign with a narrow 1-0 defeat to defending champions Senegal, are desperate for a response to avoid an early exit from the competition.
Sudan also have plenty at stake after surrendering a late equaliser to settle for a 1-1 draw against Congo in their opening game. Both sides are still in the hunt for qualification, but the margin for error has narrowed.
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Appiah, who famously led Sudan’s senior national team to a shock victory over his native Ghana to deny the Black Stars a place at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, is determined to repeat that success on the CHAN stage.
“Nigeria is one of the biggest nations in African football and we respect them, but we won’t fear them,” Appiah declared at the pre-match press conference.
“I don’t believe in any rivalry; this is a game and the best team will win. I have watched only one game of the Nigerian team and can’t assess them based on one game. I don’t see any player as a threat, but the entire team.”
The Ghanaian coach knows the scale of the challenge but is relishing the opportunity to claim another high-profile scalp. Sudan’s Falcons of Jediane have built a reputation under Appiah for discipline, resilience, and tactical awareness, qualities they will need in abundance against a wounded Nigerian side.
Nigeria’s coach, Franco-Malian Eric Chelle, has urged his players to respond with urgency after their opening defeat.
A win against Sudan is crucial, with their final group game against Congo looming as another stern test.
The Super Eagles B were runners-up at the 2018 CHAN but failed to qualify for the 2020 and 2022 editions. Now, Nigeria face the prospect of an early exit if they cannot find a way past Sudan.
Kick-off in Zanzibar is set for 6pm Nigerian time.
Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele
Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele turns into a ball of passion when writing about Nigerian football and its talents, whether rising stars or established legends, locally and abroad.
From the deepest corners of the Middle East, to the green fields of the Americas, to the celebrated grounds in Europe, and the rich soils of Africa, Imhons is more than glad, usually with a glass of a tasty drink nearby, to capture the essence of the game, by connecting the dots between culture, identity, and football.