Africa Cup Of Nations Qualifier: Sudan vs Nigeria Match Preview
Nigeria go to Khartoum knowing that a poor result could make an already tricky task of qualifying for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations even more difficult.
Having won just one point out of two matches with four left to play, the Super Eagles need victory against a Sudan side who are yet to pick up a point.
Sudan lost both of their matches against South Africa and Congo in September but Bafana Bafana picked up all three points in the once-impregnable Omdurman, winning 3-0.
The Falcons of Jediane last played at the Afcon in 2012, where they reached the quarter-finals, in their best finish since they won the title in 1970.
Sudan’s football has not seen much glory since then and the national side look unlikely to reach those enviable heights any time soon. The Falcons have failed to score in this qualifying round, with striker Mudathir El Tahir struggling to find his best form.
The shut-out of coach Mohammed Abdallah’s side could continue with the return to goal of Nigeria’s Vincent Enyeama, who has been the best keeper on the continent for the past two years.
Coach Stephen Keshi’s hopes for a renewed contract lies on the results of this game and the return leg in Abuja on Wednesday.
The 52-year-old must hope that his strikers can fire on all cylinders in the heat of Khartoum, where the Eagles will play on an artificial pitch.
Defeat for Sudan would effectively rule them out of contention. If Nigiera lose in Khartoum, it would spell the end of an era for many players as well as the coaching crew. Culled
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