Qualification from Group D is within Nigeria’s grasp as they face Sudan in their penultimate Group D match on Saturday at 17:00 GMT.
Match Preview
Can Nigeria Seal Qualification from Group D?
Eguavoen’s side can seal qualification into the knockout stages with a victory over Sudan on Saturday.
Having won arguably the toughest match of the group against the much-fancied Egypt, the Super Eagles will be looking to turn on the swagger against Sudan.
Can Sudan Cause an Upset against One of the AFCON Favourites?
The less fancied Sudan will take on the African giants Nigeria on Saturday with the knowledge that a loss will make their qualification from the group considerably tricky.
This will play into the approach Sudan adopts against the Super Eagles. It is a must-not-lose match for the Eastern Africa nation.
Form Guide
Nigeria
The Super Eagles have notched one victory from their tournament’s opening match against favourites Egypt.
They scored one goal via Kelechi Iheanacho and kept a clean sheet against the Pharaoh’s vaunted attack containing Mohamed Salah.
Sudan
Sudan opened their tournament with a low-key 0-0 stalemate against Guinea-Bissau; on paper, this was the match that either team ought to have picked up 3 points.
This leaves Sudan with the unenvied need to take points off of matches against Nigeria or Egypt.
Team News
Nigeria
Eguavoen did not report any injuries or worries after the first match against Egypt.
This means they will have the entire squad available for selection going into their penultimate fixture of Group D against Sudan.
Sudan
The Sudanese squad is fully fit ahead of the match against Nigeria. The only rotation needed would be due to the need to bolster their attack and score their first goal(s) of the tournament.
Possible Starting Lineups
Nigeria
- Okoye; O. Aina, W. Troost-Ekong, K. Omeruo, Z. Sanusi; J. Aribo, O. Ndid; S. Chukwueze, M. Simon; K. Iheanacho, T. Awoniyi
Sudan
- A. Eshrein; M. A. Saeed Elfadni, S. Nemer, M. M. A. Karshoum, M. M. Alnour Mohamed; G. Abbas Omer, w. K, M. A. R. M. Shambaly, A. Omer Yagoub; Y. Hamed, M. A. Y. Yagoub
Players to Watch
Kelechi Iheanacho
The Leicester City striker has got off the mark by nodding the winning goal in the 1-0 defeat of Egypt in the Group D opener.
Iheanacho carries a lot of attacking responsibility for the Super Eagles, and he proved against Egypt that he is embracing it. He will be crucial for Nigeria as they seek to seal qualification with a win against Sudan.
Y. Hamed
Hamed will be crucial for Sudan’s hopes of scoring goals in the AFCON tournament. This aspect is essential given Sudan started with a barren draw in the opener against Guinea-Bissau.
Hamed will play a crucial role for Sudan to stand a chance of taking something from the in-form Nigeria.
Prediction
Expect Nigeria to play with a dominant swagger as they get into their stride in the AFCON tournament in Cameroon. Sudan will play a pragmatic and disciplined game aiming to limit Nigeria’s chances and attack on the break. The Super Eagles will have too much for Sudan, and they will take all 3 points and seal qualification into the next round.
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