HOW TO BEAT SUDAN – IKECHUKWU TELLS EAGLES

Ex-Nigeria U23 striker Francis Ikechukwu has sounded a note of warning to Nigeria – Sudan star forward Mudathir El Tahir could single-handedly wreck the Super Eagles if given the space.

Sudan welcome the African champions to Omdurman on Saturday in continuation of the qualifying tournament for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations with the everse clash in Abuja on October 15.

And ASO Chlef of Algeria striker Ikechukwu, who played in Sudan for many years, said the man to watch out for is El Tahir aka “Kareka”.

“Their number 10, Muhannad El Tahir, is a very good, left- footed forward. He plays from the midfield, shoots well and can hold the ball very well. If this man can be marked out, Sudan would cripple,” Ikechukwu said.

The Al Hilal star, who plays behind the top striker, has scored over a dozen goals for his country since  becoming an international in 2008.

Ikechukwu, who himself was close to playing for Sudan in 2012, further informed that Nigeria must go for broke in Sudan if they are to win on Saturday.

“I have played with and against every player in the Sudan national team. I know their weak points. The goalkeeper was the one I scored against in every game I faced him, while I was in Sudan for three seasons,” he said.

“All Eagles need to attack them because their defence can’t withstand pressure, they break down when they are attacked again and again.”

The last time Nigeria visited Sudan was in July 2001 in a decisive 2002 World Cup qualifier and they ran away 4-0 winners with goals from ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha, Julius Aghahowa and Yakubu Aiyegbeni, who grabbed a brace.

Sudan are yet to record a point in the 2015 AFCON qualifiers with Nigeria in third place on a point.

Congo are top of Group A with six points from two matches, while South Africa have four points.