Match Preview
The 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN) is heating up, and all eyes will be on the Super Eagles B as they lock horns with Sudan in a make-or-break Group D tie. The game goes down at the Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar on Tuesday, August 12, kicking off at 6:00 p.m. Nigerian time.
For Nigeria, it’s about bouncing back after that painful 1–0 loss to Senegal in the opener. Sudan, on the other hand, will be looking to ride on the confidence from their 1–1 draw with Congo. Both teams badly need the points to keep their quarterfinal dreams alive, so expect nothing less than full-on battle.
Sudan’s Game Plan
Sudan (currently ranked 110th by FIFA) are well-known for their disciplined, no-risks style of football. Coach Kwesi Appiah usually sets them up in a solid 4-3-3, focusing more on shape, organisation, and counter-attacks than flashy build-up play.
In their draw with Congo, they actually had 53% possession but created very little just eight shots in total and only landed 40% of their tackles. They relied heavily on launching long balls to their danger man, striker Ad Musa Hussien, who got their only goal.
Appiah will likely stick with the same side. Hussien will lead the attack again, flanked by A. Abdalla and Fadl. At the back, Abaker and Simbo will try to keep Nigeria’s attackers quiet, while keeper Abooja will be hoping to avoid another late heartbreak like against Congo.
Nigeria’s Approach
Coach Eric Chelle’s Super Eagles B love to play with width, pace, and overlapping full-backs, usually lining up in a dynamic 4-4-2. Against Senegal, they had good spells of possession but didn’t create enough only six shots which means they must be sharper in front of goal this time.
Chelle has made it clear: start fast, press high, win the midfield battles, and turn possession into goals. Expect Sikiru Alimi to lead the line alongside Desouza, with the electric wingers Malik and Akanni providing the spark.
At the back, Igoh Ogbu’s hamstring injury means Ngenge and Junior will pair up at centre-back, with Mustapha in goal and captain Nduka holding things together in defence. In midfield, Tochukwu will do the heavy lifting—breaking up Sudan’s play and setting the tempo.
Key Battles to Watch
Tochukwu vs Khidir in midfield could decide who controls the pace of the game.
Malik and Akanni’s speed will test Sudan’s full-backs all night.
Nigeria’s centre-backs must stay alert to those long balls aimed at Hussien.
Sudan’s tight defence means Nigeria must be ruthless when chances come. Expect the Super Eagles B to press aggressively from the first whistle, but breaking Sudan down won’t be easy.
Prediction
The stats are in Nigeria’s favour: 9 wins from 15 past meetings with Sudan, including the last three straight. Plus, with a much better FIFA ranking (44th vs 110th) and more attacking depth, the Super Eagles B should edge this one.
That said, neither side has been banging in goals lately, so don’t expect a goal fest. Nigeria’s wing play should eventually make the difference, but patience will be key.
Predicted Score: Sudan 0–1 Nigeria
Betting Angle: Nigeria to win, under 2.5 goals, and “No” for both teams to score.
Time and Where To Watch
You can catch the game live on SuperSport (DSTV), beIN Sports, and SABC Sport. More Details on how to watch HERE
Remember, CHAN is strictly for players plying their trade in their local leagues, no overseas-based stars here.
