Sudan vs Nigeria: 2025 CHAN Group D match preview, prediction
Nigeria’s Super Eagles B in preparation against Sudan for 2025 CHAN group stage match. Photo Credit- Pulse Sports
The 2025 African Nations Championship- CHAN heats up as Nigeria’s Super Eagles B face Sudan in a crucial Group D clash at Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar, Tanzania, on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at 6:00 PM Nigerian time. With Nigeria desperate to rebound from a 1-0 loss to Senegal and Sudan coming off a 1-1 draw against Congo, this match is crucial for both teams’ hopes of advancing to the knockout stage. Broadcast live on SuperSport (DSTV), beIN Sport, and SABC Sport, the encounter promises to showcase contrasting styles and high stakes in a tournament exclusive to domestic league players. Here’s a detailed preview of the tactics, team news, injuries, and a scoreline prediction for this critical showdown.
Sudan’s tactical approach
Sudan, ranked 110th by FIFA, employs a disciplined, defense-first strategy, often deploying a 4-3-3 formation that prioritizes structure and counter-attacking opportunities. Their draw against Congo highlighted their ability to “dig deep in defense” and maintain shape, with 53% possession and a focus on long balls from deep to spring attackers like Ad Musa Hussien into action. However, their inefficiency was evident, managing only eight shots and succeeding in just 40% of tackles. Coach Kwesi Appiah is likely to stick with this approach, emphasizing short passing in their half to build attacks gradually while relying on midfielders like Omer and Khidir to set up forwards. Sudan’s strength lies in “stonewalling” opponents, but their lack of clinical finishing could be a vulnerability against Nigeria’s attacking threat.
Sudan team news and injuries
Sudan enters the match with no major injury concerns, giving Appiah a full squad to choose from. Ad Musa Hussien, who scored in the 1-1 draw against Congo, is expected to lead the line, supported by wingers A. Abdalla and Fadl in the 4-3-3. The backline, anchored by Abaker and Simbo, will aim to frustrate Nigeria’s forwards, while goalkeeper Abooja’s performance will be critical after conceding late against Congo. The midfield trio of Omer, Khidir, and Alhassan will focus on breaking up play and launching counters. Sudan’s recent form; four draws in their last five matches, suggests resilience but a struggle to secure victories, which could influence their cautious approach.
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Nigeria’s tactical setup
The Super Eagles B, under coach Eric Chelle, favour a 4-4-2 formation that leverages wing play and overlapping runs to create scoring chances. Their opening loss to Senegal exposed a lack of cutting edge, with only six shots despite dominating possession for periods. Chelle has called for a more aggressive approach, urging his team to press higher, win duels, and convert possession into goals. Players like Sikiru Alimi, who leads the attack, and wingers Malik and Akanni are key to unlocking Sudan’s compact defense through wide overloads and crosses. Chelle’s emphasis on “defensive organization” and quick transitions will be crucial to counter Sudan’s long-ball threat. After a lackluster first half against Senegal, Nigeria aims to start fast and dominate midfield battles.
Nigeria team news and injuries
Nigeria faces a setback with central defender Igoh Ogbu sidelined until late August due to a hamstring injury, forcing Chelle to adjust his defensive lineup. Mustapha is confirmed to start in goal, with captain Nduka leading a back four likely featuring Abdulrafiu, Ngenge, Junior, and Sodiq. The midfield quartet of Malik, Tochukwu, Adedayo, and Akanni will aim to control the tempo, with Tochukwu’s energy pivotal in winning duels. Up top, Sikiru Alimi and Desouza will spearhead the attack, tasked with improving Nigeria’s poor shot count from the Senegal game. Chelle’s confidence in his squad’s potential, bolstered by their unbeaten run in five matches prior to the Senegal loss (three draws, one win), suggests a motivated side ready to bounce back.
What to expect from the match
The midfield duel between Nigeria’s Tochukwu and Sudan’s Khidir will be decisive, as both players dictate their teams’ tempo. Nigeria’s wingers, Malik and Akanni, will test Sudan’s fullbacks, Boshara and F. Abdalla, with their pace and overlapping runs. Sudan’s reliance on long balls to Hussien means Nigeria’s center-backs, Ngenge and Junior, must stay alert to prevent quick transitions. Conversely, Sudan’s compact defense will challenge Nigeria’s ability to break through, requiring Alimi and Desouza to be clinical. Chelle’s call for a “shift in mentality” suggests Nigeria will press aggressively from the start, potentially exposing Sudan’s low tackle success rate.
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Sudan vs Nigeria scoreline prediction
Nigeria’s historical dominance over Sudan, winning nine of 15 encounters, including the last three gives them the edge, despite their opening defeat. Sudan’s defensive resilience and counter-attacking threat make them dangerous, but Nigeria’s superior FIFA ranking (44th vs. 110th) and attacking depth should prevail if they address their finishing woes. Expect Nigeria to control possession and create more chances, though Sudan’s compact setup may keep the game tight. A narrow victory seems likely, with Nigeria capitalizing on their wing play to secure a crucial win.
