CHAN: Loss to Sudan my worst game ever – Chelle

Super Eagles coach, Eric Chelle, has described Nigeria’s crushing loss to Sudan as the lowest point of his coaching career. Speaking at a post-match press conference after the 4-0 defeat in the CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024, Chelle admitted the result was devastating both for him and the team. The loss not only cemented […]

Super Eagles coach, Eric Chelle, has described Nigeria’s crushing loss to Sudan as the lowest point of his coaching career.

Speaking at a post-match press conference after the 4-0 defeat in the CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024, Chelle admitted the result was devastating both for him and the team.

The loss not only cemented Sudan’s status as title contenders but also ended Nigeria’s hopes of winning the tournament for the first time since its inception in 2009.

“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,” he said.

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Looking ahead to their final fixture against Congo, the coach issued a warning: “If we play this way against Congo, it wouldn’t be just four. We have to clear our minds and mentally get ready for Congo.”

Chelle linked part of the team’s struggles to the departure of nearly eight key home-based players to clubs abroad before the tournament began.

“Though some important players left our preparations camp, these were the best players in our league. We can’t play a game like that and lose in the manner we did. We need to be more focused.

“The players focused in the first 20 minutes. Our goal was ruled out, and afterwards, we made a lot of mistakes… 4 mistakes, 4 goals. Our training session before the game went well. We analyzed Sudan’s team. We prepared well, but were not ready for as many mistakes.”

On the other side, Sudan coach Kwesi Appiah, though delighted with the emphatic win, showed respect for Chelle’s side.

“I think the home-based Super Eagles aren’t that bad. On the whole, tactically, they played well. The coach only needs to do some polishing with the attack. The first game against Senegal wasn’t that bad; in the second game, they had stints of possession, but our approach helped us,” said the former Ghana national team boss.

Sudan now prepare for a top-of-the-table clash with Senegal, while Nigeria will play for pride in their last match.