- Eguavoen downplays Nigeria’s title chances
BY VICTOR OSOWOCHI – Today’s 2021 Africa Cup of Nations Group D encounter in Garoua between Nigeria and Sudan presents the third time both countries will be meeting at the Africa Cup of Nations tournament.
However, it is their first match-up at the continental championship for 46 years. Sudan won the first match 4-0 in the 1963 group phase while Nigeria narrowly came out tops 1-0 during their second confrontation in 1976.
Victory over the Falcons of Jedaine inside the Roumde Adjia Stadium this evening will guarantee the Super Eagles’ qualification for the Round of the 16 with six points from two matches and see them top Group D with one match left to play.
Nigeria’s Youthful Side
In securing the monumental win over Egypt in their opening match on Tuesday, Austin Eguavoen fielded the second-youngest starting XI at the ongoing AFCON after Ethiopia.
The average age of the Nigeria team for that game was 25 years, 105 days.
Nigeria’s Statistics
Nigeria have won 10 of their last 12 Africa Cup of Nations games, losing two (L2), and keeping six clean sheets.
Nigeria won their opening game (1-0 against Egypt) in the Africa Cup of Nations for the second tournament running, having failed to win their first match in four of their previous five appearances, winning one; drawing one; and losing three (W1 – D1 – L3).
The Super Eagles are looking to win their opening two matches in consecutive AFCON tournaments for the very first time.
After scoring in his very first Africa Cup of Nations game, Kelechi Iheanacho could become the first Nigerian player to score in his first two AFCON appearances since Emmanuel Emenike in January 2013.
Head-To-Head Record
Nigeria have faced Sudan 14 times and their first game dates back to 1963. The Super Eagles have the upper hand with the most wins (eight) while Sudan have grabbed two wins so far.
The last time they faced each other was at the 2018 African Nations Championship which ended in a 1-0 victory for the Super Eagles.
AFCON Appearances
The two countries have lifted the AFCON title on separate occasions with Nigeria remaining the superior side scooping three trophies (1980, 1994, and 2013) while the Falcons of Jediane achieved their only success in the tournament back in 1970 on home soil.
Nigeria made their first AFCON appearance in 1963 and they are making their 19th appearance in the competition.
Sudan hosted the maiden edition of the continental competition in 1957 where they finished third. After missing the last four editions since 2012, the Falcons of Jediane are in Cameroon for their ninth tournament appearance.
FIFA Ranking
Going by the latest FIFA ranking released in December 2021, the Super Eagles head into this game as the 36th best footballing nation in the world and occupy the fifth (5th) spot on the continent.
On their part, Sudan are ranked 125th in the world and 33rd in Africa.
Sudan’s Statistics
Following a draw in their opening match against Guinea-Bissau (0-0), Sudan have managed just one win in their last 14 Africa Cup of Nations games, drawing six and losing seven (D6 – L7), dating back to the 1972 edition.
Abdelrahman & Aboeshren’s Impact
Though he failed to find the back of the net in the goalless draw against Guinea-Bissau on Tuesday, Mohamed Abdelrahman remains a threat to the Super Eagles’ defence. He scored one-third of Sudan’s goals during the qualifiers (three out of nine goals).
For goalkeeper Ali Aboeshren, he was the Sudanese hero with his late penalty save that earned them a point in their opening Group D match.
It’s One Match Per Time – Eguavoen
Meanwhile, the Super Eagles handler, Coach Augustine Eguavoen, does not believe his side are favourites in Cameroon, insisting his team will play each match as they come.
Downplaying talks of Nigeria being among the favourites to win the AFCON title after the impressive 1-0 win over highly-rated Pharaohs of Egypt on Tuesday, Eguavoen said it is just one match played so far.
“It’s hard to say because it is a marathon,” the Nigerian football great told media ahead of Saturday’s match versus Sudan. It’s only the first game and like you all know, Egypt are seven-time African champions and not pushovers.
“They are a very strong team and we played very well and I give credit to all the players. Talking about being favourites will be too early and that is what I have maintained. We are going to focus on our next game and approach it with all seriousness and after crossing that hurdle, we will be looking forward to the third game.” – With Goal.com report
