Super Eagles exit leaves bitter taste for Chelle

African giants Nigeria’s Super Eagles have bowed out of the 2024 Africa Nations Championships (Chan) with a match to spare.

This was after a 4-0 thrashing at the hands of impressive Sudan in their penultimate Group D match here at Amaan International Stadium, Zanzibar, on Tuesday night.

The defeat follows their 1-0 loss to defending champions Senegal in their opening match.

The Sudanese completely outclassed the West Africans, whose coach, Eric Chelle, struggled to convince a battery of journalists on the factors that led to the heavy loss.

While admitting they have lost to a better side, Chelle said he didn’t expect that huge scoreline.

“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’ve overseen from the dugout as coach,” said Chelle.

“Our next match will prove us otherwise, but expect positive results.”

Chelle said he had lots of respect for the Sudanese side, whose performance reflects their seriousness in the competition despite the political turmoil in their country.

“Despite their political instability back at home, they beat us, and for that they (Sudanese) deserve my respect,” said Chelle.

On the other side, Sudan coach Kwesi Appiah couldn’t hide his satisfaction at the final whistle.

“I was surprised with the performance of some of my players. If you noticed, my changes came deep into the second half because everyone was playing really well,” said the former Ghana national team coach.

“I was surprised with the performance of some of my players. If you noticed, my changes came deep into the second half because everyone was playing really well.”

And with that heavy defeat, the Super Eagles kissed goodbye to the tournament, and their final match against Congo Brazzaville on August 19 will be a formality, leaving defending champions Senegal and Sudan as the frontrunners in the last eight from the group.

Senegal, who defeated Nigeria 1-0 in their opening match last week, are tied at the top of the group with three points with Sudan after the two teams each won and drew a match. But Sudan have edged out the Lions of Teranga on goal difference.

Sudan’s matchmaker Abdel Raouf Yagoub was voted the Most Valuable Player (MVP) for the second consecutive time, having done so in their first match against Congo Brazzaville, which ended in a 1-1 draw.

“It was good to have been at the top of my game, and it was through teamwork that made us to come out victorious,” Yagoub said after the match.

“Our desire is to win this tournament and take the Cup home.”

In the earlier match at the same venue, Congo Brazzaville almost stunned defending champions Senegal before Joseph Layousse rescued a point for the Lions of Teranga with a late equaliser for the match to end 1-1.

Congo drew the first blood in the 19th minute through Dechan Moussavou, who scored from a goalmouth melee.

The Rhumba boys were in a class of their own, but the Senegalese defence of Beranger Itoua, Prince Mapata, Chrislay Peya and Elie Andzouno tried their best to avert the Congolese threat. 

Senegal coach Souleymane Diallo said: “We played with determination while focused to retain the title. And that’s how we snatched a point against the Congolese players.”

He warned the Sudanese to brace for another tough match in the race for top honours.