Do or Die: Why Chelle says Sudan CAF CHAN 2024 test defines his players' careers

Super Eagles B head coach Eric Chelle has described the crucial group stage encounter against Sudan in the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) as the game of his players’ lives, calling on his squad to step up and show resilience after a slow start to the tournament.

The Nigerian team, competing in the CHAN hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, suffered a 1-0 defeat in their opening match against defending champions Senegal, a result that has left their hopes hanging by a thread in Group D. 

Sudan, by contrast, opened with a 1-1 draw against Congo, placing added pressure on Nigeria’s next fixture.

Speaking ahead of the match at Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar, Chelle acknowledged the high stakes and urged his players to raise their mental and physical intensity. 

“The Tuesday group game against Sudan, for my players, is the game of their lives,” Chelle told journalist Osasu Obayiuwana. 

He emphasised that his team must improve drastically: “We need to change our mindset. We must be more competitive and, once again, more aggressive. If we are apprehensive, we will return to Nigeria.”

Chelle lamented the lack of aggression in the opening defeat, noting, “In the first half, we created no chances to score. We have to be more aggressive, both offensively and defensively. In winning games and being ambitious, that mindset is crucial.” 

He strongly cautioned that should the Eagles fail to elevate their game in the next two matches against Sudan and Congo, their tournament run would end prematurely per a report from Punch.

With everything on the line, the Super Eagles B squad will look to answer Chelle’s call and keep their CHAN 2024 dreams alive in what he terms the defining game of their lives.