Sudan prepared to make things difficult for Super Eagles
Sudan will be Nigeria’s next target when the teams meet for a Group D clash at the Africa Cup of Nations on the evening of Saturday 15 January 2022, kick-off at 18:00 CAT.
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Sudan opened their tournament with a goalless stalemate against Guinea-Bissau, though they needed goalkeeper Ali Abu-Eshrein to save a late penalty in order to secure a share of the spoils.
It’s not the ideal preparation for a clash with a heavyweight such as Nigeria (with a game against Egypt to follow), but the Falcons of Jediane, led by coach Burhan Tia, are nonetheless hopeful of ruffling a few feathers at the AFCON.
“There is nothing impossible in football. The group might be strong, but with good preparations and concentration we will be able to make it to the knockout stage,” Tia explained.
Nigeria, meanwhile, got their campaign up and running in the perfect manner, defeating seven-time champions Egypt 1-0 on Tuesday, with Kelechi Iheanacho’s superbly-taken goal the difference between the teams.
The Super Eagles fully deserved the victory over the Pharaohs, having been the more cohesive and aggressive unit through the 90 minutes, while also quelling the threat of Mohamed Salah.
“Pulling up a win against Egypt was a surprise to many people but that was not a surprise to us,” said Nigeria interim coach Augustine Eguavoen, who will hope for a second straight win to secure early qualification for the round of 16.
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In head-to-head stats, Nigeria and Sudan have met in 14 matches across all competitions since their first clash back in 1963. The Super Eagles have claimed eight wins compared to two for the Falcons of Jediane, while four games have been drawn.
The teams last met in a 2018 African Nations Championship (CHAN) semifinal in Morocco in 2018 which Nigeria won 1-0 thanks to a goal from Gabriel Okechukwu.
The other Group D match in this round sees Guinea-Bissau take on Egypt later on Saturday evening, also at the Roumde Adjia Stadium.