Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle. Photo Credit: NFF Comms
Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has revealed the reasons behind the Nigeria’s scandalous loss to Sudan on matchday two of the ongoing African Nations Championship, Soccernet.ng reports.
Nigeria’s campaign at CHAN 2024 ended in crushing disappointment after the home-based Super Eagles suffered a 4-0 hammering at the hands of Sudan in Zanzibar.
The result equals the nation’s heaviest CHAN defeat, matching the 4-0 loss to Morocco in the 2018 final. And it leaves Nigeria without a point after two matches in Group D and officially out of the competition ahead of their final fixture against Congo.
Coach Eric Chelle, who had boldly promised before the match that his side would deliver ‘the best game of our lives,’ admitted afterwards that this was ‘the worst game I have overseen from the dugout as coach.’
A first-half turning point proved decisive.
Anthony Ijoma thought he had given Nigeria the lead, only for VAR to chalk it off for offside.
Moments later, Sudan seized the momentum and struck twice before half-time, both goals stemming from individual mistakes by centre-back Leonard Ngenge. The defender, who was also at fault for the goal conceded in the opening 1-0 defeat to Senegal, endured a torrid evening.
“Our goal was ruled out, and afterwards, we made a lot of mistakes… four mistakes, four goals,” Eric Chelle told reporters at the post-match press conference.
“Our training session before the game went well. We analysed Sudan’s team. We prepared well, but were not ready for as many mistakes.”
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The second half brought no respite. Sudan confirmed their superiority as a well-taken brace from Abdel Raouf Yagoub completed the rout.
While lamenting the team’s errors, Eric Chelle admitted that the Eagles were weakened by the unavailability of key players who left the squad just before the start of the tournament.
“Though some important players left our preparations camp, these were the best players in our league,” Eric Chelle said.
“We cannot play a game like that and lose in the manner we did. We need to be more focused.
“We have lost all ambition. The CHAN is over for us. We have a third match to play for our honour and respect. But I am disappointed by this match. It is the worst game I have overseen from the dugout as coach.”
While refusing to single out individuals beyond the obvious errors, Eric Chelle admitted the defensive frailties were glaring.
“If we play this way against Congo, it would not be just four,” he warned. “We have to clear our minds and mentally get ready for Congo.”
Nigeria’s last match against Congo at CHAN 2024 is billed for Tuesday, August 19.
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.