Nigeria, Aug. 14 -- 12 August is already a sad day in Nigerian football history. It was on that day in 1989 that Sam Okwaraji collapsed and died during a World Cup qualifier in Lagos.

But now, 36 years later, the date carries another painful memory. On Tuesday, 12 August, Nigeria's home-based national team, the Super Eagles B, suffered a heavy 4-0 defeat to Sudan, matching the country's joint-heaviest loss in the African Nations Championship (CHAN).

The defeat was shocking not only because of the scoreline, but also because of the situation of the team that beat Nigeria.

Sudan's domestic league has not been active since 2022 due to the war in the country.

Their two biggest clubs, Al-Hilal and Al-Merreikh, have been forced to play in M...