Nigeria Vs Sudan: Match Preview, Prediction, Starting XI, Where To Watch

Nigeria Vs Sudan: Match Preview, Prediction, Starting XI, Where To Watch 

By Admin 

The 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN) enters a pivotal stage as Nigeria’s Super Eagles B clash with Sudan in a crucial Group D encounter at Amaan Stadium, Zanzibar, on Tuesday, August 12, at 6:00 p.m. Nigerian time, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Nigeria will be seeking redemption after a narrow 1-0 defeat to Senegal in their opening fixture, while Sudan are aiming to build on their 1-1 draw against Congo. With both sides desperate for points to keep their knockout hopes alive, the stakes could hardly be higher.

The match, to be broadcast live on SuperSport (DSTV), beIN Sports, and SABC Sport, pits two contrasting styles against each other in a tournament exclusively for players competing in their domestic leagues.

Sudan’s Tactical Blueprint

Ranked 110th by FIFA, Sudan have earned a reputation for their disciplined, defense-first football. Coach Kwesi Appiah often sets his side out in a structured 4-3-3, prioritizing shape and counter-attacks over expansive play.

In their draw against Congo, the Falcons of Jediane held 53% possession and relied heavily on long balls from deep to release striker Ad Musa Hussien. While their defensive organisation was solid, only eight shots were attempted, and just 40% of tackles were successful—an inefficiency Nigeria will look to exploit.

Appiah is expected to stick with the same core that frustrated Congo. Hussien, who scored in that match, will spearhead the attack alongside wingers A. Abdalla and Fadl. The backline of Abaker and Simbo will aim to contain Nigeria’s forwards, with goalkeeper Abooja looking to atone for conceding a late equaliser last time out.

Nigeria’s Tactical Response

Nigeria, under coach Eric Chelle, prefer a dynamic 4-4-2, using pace on the flanks and overlapping full-backs to create chances. Against Senegal, they dominated possession in spells but managed only six shots, exposing a need for greater cutting edge.

Chelle has called for an aggressive, high-pressing start, urging his men to win midfield duels and convert dominance into goals. Striker Sikiru Alimi will lead the line with Desouza, supported by the pace and creativity of wingers Malik and Akanni.

Defensively, the absence of central defender Igoh Ogbu (hamstring injury) forces a reshuffle, with Ngenge and Junior set to partner at centre-back. Mustapha starts in goal, with captain Nduka marshalling the back four. The midfield, anchored by the tireless Tochukwu, will be tasked with controlling the tempo and breaking Sudan’s defensive wall.

Key Battles & Expectations

The central duel between Nigeria’s Tochukwu and Sudan’s Khidir could shape the game’s rhythm, while Malik and Akanni’s pace will test Sudan’s full-backs. For Sudan, long-ball service to Hussien remains their main weapon, meaning Nigeria’s centre-halves must maintain concentration.

Sudan’s compact defence will force Nigeria to be clinical, while Chelle’s emphasis on fast starts suggests the Super Eagles B will come out pressing high from the first whistle. Sudan’s resilience, however, could make this a cagey contest.

Prediction

History favours Nigeria, who have beaten Sudan in nine of their 15 previous meetings—including the last three. With a superior FIFA ranking (44th vs 110th) and deeper attacking resources, the Super Eagles B have the edge.

However, given both sides’ recent struggles in front of goal, a low-scoring affair is likely. Nigeria’s wing play could eventually find the breakthrough, but Sudan’s defensive stubbornness means it may take patience.

Predicted Score: Sudan 0–1 Nigeria — Nigeria to win, under 2.5 goals, and no for both teams to score.