Nigeria defeated Sudan 3-1 in their AFCON 2021 encounter at the Stade Roumdé Adjia in Garoua, Cameroon, on Saturday, to book a place in the round of 16 with one group match to play.
The win was their second in as many game and will ease whatever tension there was heading into the final group stage match against Guinea Bissau. The victory assures the Super Eagles of a place in the Round of 16.
With the victory, the Super Eagles won their opening two matches at an Africa Cup of Nations in consecutive tournaments for the very first time, according to the Confederation of Africa football.
The Falcons of Jediane (Sudan) scored a penalty in the 70th minute to reduce Nigeria’s lead to 3-1.
Aina had fouled a Sudanese player when VAR awarded a penalty to the Falcons. The Nigerian defender was also booked a yellow card.
Samuel Chukwueze’s goal put Nigeria ahead three minutes into the game through an assist from Moses Simon.
At the 45th minute, Taiwo Awoniyi’s header gave the Super Eagles their second goal.
Nigeria and Sudan met for the third time at the Africa Cup of Nations, but it’s their first encounter at the tournament for 46 years.
Sudan won the first match 4-0 in the 1963 group phase whilst Nigeria won the second 1-0 in 1976.
Nigeria have won 10 of their last 12 Africa Cup of Nations games (L2), keeping six clean sheets.
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 (D6 L7), dating back to the 1972 edition.
Nigeria won their opening game (1-0 against Egypt) to an Africa Cup of Nations for the second tournament running, having failed to win their first match in four of their previous five appearances (W1 D1 L3).
A skilful Moses Simon tripled Nigeria’s lead 35 seconds into the second half.
Before the commencement of the second half, Alex Iwobi replaced Samuel Chukwueze, who scored Nigeria’s first goal.
