Can Nigeria Win Sudan to revive their AFCON hopes?

This weekend, the Super Eagles travel to Sudan with their qualification campaign hanging by a thread. Nigeria find themselves adrift of surprise group leaders Congo, and need to win.

If something sounds familiar about this plot, that’s because history does tend to repeat itself, especially with a nation and culture that has made a habit out of not learning from their own mistakes. On the 1st of July, 2001, the Super Eagles travelled to Omdurman to face the Falcons of Jediane in their penultimate qualifier for the 2002 Fifa World Cup.

A meagre return of seven points from their first five games had put Nigeria five points behind runaway group leaders Liberia, with three games to play. The times were desperate, and the corrective measures were just as drastic. Dutchman Jo Bonfrere, hero of Africa’s first Olympic gold medal in football and Africa Cup of Nations runner-up just a year prior, was relieved of his duties. 

Sudan VS Nigeria

African champions, Nigeria, were stunned 0-1 by Sudan in a 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match in Khartoum on Saturday.

Nigeria nearly got their noses in front in the 11th minute after a beautiful ball from the midfield by John Obi Mikel found Ahmed Musa whose cross into the Sudanese box was met by Nosa Igiebor's effort which came off the post.

Efe Ambrose and Mikel also had a pop at the Sudanese goal in quick succession in the 13th minute as Nigeria grew in confidence after a nervous start.

Sudan's claim for a penalty was waved away after Tahir's charge at goal whipped off Ambrose's shoulder.

The Falcons of Jediane kept the Nigerian defence on their toes for a long stretch and Tahir's effort in the 29 minute just flashed over the bar as Vincent Enyeama looked to have had it covered.

Sudan got their noses in front in the 43rd minute after great work from the right side and Babeker Bakri buried his header past Enyeama for their first goal of the final qualifying series.

Nigeria came out flying in the second half as Ambrose tested Sudan's goalkeeper and Mikel's follow-up went out for a corner kick which was wasted

http://www.supersport.com/football/super-eagles/news/141011/Sudan_upset_African_champions