Sudan striker Abdel Raouf Yagoub has openly mocked the home-based Super Eagles after his side’s emphatic 4-0 victory in their Group B clash at the 2024 African Nations Championship in Zanzibar.
Kwesi Appiah’s Falcons produced a near-perfect performance at the Amman Stadium on Tuesday night, dismantling Nigeria with pace, precision and ruthless finishing. The result leaves Sudan top of Group B with four points from three matches and in a strong position to qualify for the quarter-finals.
The game’s opening goal came in the 25th minute when Yagoub’s shot took a heavy deflection off Nigerian defender Leonard Ngenege and wrong-footed the goalkeeper. Sudan doubled their lead just before the break, with Walieldin Khdir calmly converting from the penalty spot in the 44th minute after a defensive error.
In the second half, Yagoub turned from provider to finisher, netting twice to complete a memorable night for the Falcons. His first was a smart finish following a quick passing move that left Nigeria’s defence scrambling, and his second was a clinical strike after pouncing on yet another misplaced pass at the back.
Nigeria’s performance very slow says Yagoub
After the match, Yagoub was forthright in his assessment of Nigeria’s performance, suggesting his side had deliberately exploited their opponents’ weaknesses.
“They are very slow on the ball and their recovery rate is very poor — that’s what we capitalised on,” he said. “Their defence made a lot of mistakes, their strikers are slow, and when our coach said all we needed was quick contact play and to get the ball into the 18, we executed it perfectly.”
Yagoub’s comments echoed the tactical blueprint drawn up by Sudan head coach Kwesi Appiah, who has emphasised pace and direct play throughout the tournament. Nigeria, by contrast, struggled to cope with the tempo and intensity of Sudan’s pressing game.
The defeat was a bitter blow for the Super Eagles, who had entered the match needing a positive result to strengthen their hopes of progression. Instead, they were left chasing shadows for much of the contest, unable to impose their own passing rhythm or generate meaningful attacking chances.
Appiah, meanwhile, was delighted with his team’s execution of the game plan. “We knew where the spaces would be and how we could hurt them,” he said. “The boys followed the instructions to the letter and showed great determination.”
For Sudan, the focus now shifts to their final group game against defending champions Senegal. Sitting top with four points, they know a draw will be enough to secure a place in the last eight. However, Yagoub has made it clear they are aiming for more than just a point.
“We want to win every game,” the striker said. “Senegal are a strong team, but so are we. If we play with the same energy and belief, we can beat anyone.”
The Falcons’ resurgence under Appiah has been one of the talking points of this year’s tournament. With a blend of disciplined defending, quick transitions and clinical finishing, they have emerged as genuine contenders to go deep into the competition.
Nigeria, meanwhile, face an uphill battle to salvage their campaign. Defensive lapses, slow build-up play and a lack of attacking threat have undermined their performances, and they will need a dramatic improvement if they are to keep their CHAN hopes alive.
As the group stage reaches its climax, Sudan’s victory – and Yagoub’s post-match remarks – will serve as both a warning and a statement of intent. The Falcons have shown they can not only beat one of Africa’s traditional powerhouses, but also do so with style, speed and confidence. And with qualification in sight, they will look to carry that momentum into the knockout rounds.
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