Nigeria’s chances of defending the African title was thrown into major doubt following a shock 1-0 loss to lowly Sudan in a 2015 African Cup of Nations qualifying match played this evening in Khartoum.

The result is the first win and goal scored for Sudan in qualifying and leaves the Super Eagles bottom of Group A with just a point after three matches, while Sudan now have three points in third place.

Both sides went into the match needing a win to boost their respective chances of reaching Morocco 2015, and the Super Eagles dominated early proceedings with a cut back from Emmanuel Emenike being turned to the post by Nosa Igiebor after 10 minutes.

Celtic defender Efe Ambrose then had a speculative long range effort saved by the Sudan goalkeeper in the 14th minute while Emenike’s lob was also saved by the Sudan keeper as Nigeria pressed for the opening goal.

It was Sudan that got the opening goal however when Elhag was released down the right, with his inch-perfect cross headed in powerfully by an unmarked Elgadir from close range four minutes before half-time.

The second half saw the Super Eagles continue to dominate proceedings and should have equalised just before the hour mark when a clever free-kick from John Mikel Obi found Emenike on the edge of the area, only for the Fernabahce striker to fire a tame effort straight at the Sudan keeper.

Ahmed Musa shot an effort just wide with 12 minutes to go while Mikel had a goal ruled out for offside three minutes from time as a resolute Sudan side held on for a shock win over the African champions.

The Super Eagles must now win its remaining three matches to have any chance of reaching Morocco 2015, with South Africa now favourites to book a spot at next year’s competition after Bafana Bafana won 2-0 at Congo to go top of Group A in qualifying with seven points.