The Super Eagles B, Nigeria’s national football team consisting of local league players, commenced the second phase of their preparation for an important two-legged qualifier against Ghana for the Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) scheduled for December. This marks a critical step in their journey as they seek to secure a place in the 2025 tournament, which will take place in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. After wrapping up the first training phase, which lasted until Thursday, the players returned to their respective clubs for Nigeria Premier Football League matches over the weekend, before reporting back to camp on Tuesday.
In total, 26 players reported for training, while an additional nine were anticipated to join by Wednesday. The current focus is on a two-week intensive training schedule, with the specific plans and arrangements to be released by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) shortly. The initial phase of preparation has set a foundation for the team, and now the players and coaching staff aim to elevate their performance ahead of the critical matches against their Ghanaian rivals. The coaching staff, led by interim head coach Augustine Eguavoen, is strategizing to ensure that the team is well-prepared for the challenges ahead.
To further bolster the squad, Eguavoen has named a 32-man roster which features a blend of experienced players and newcomers. Notable additions include goalkeeper Kayode Bankole from Remo Stars, Suur Kumaga from Lobi Stars, and experienced winger Bernard Ovoke among others. The roster reflects a strategic approach to include both youth and experience, with the intention of performing strongly in the upcoming qualifiers. The mix of players from various clubs showcases Nigeria’s depth in talent, which is essential as they face a historically competitive team like Ghana.
Training sessions during this phase are expected to be intense, as the coaching team, which includes Fidelis Ikechukwu and Daniel Amokachi, gears up for the demanding games. Eguavoen’s temporary absence due to an assignment abroad highlights the collaborative nature of the coaching effort, ensuring that the team remains focused and on track. Both Ikechukwu and Amokachi bring their experience and insights, which will be crucial in maximizing the players’ potential in this high-stakes series against Ghana.
The first leg of the matchup is scheduled to take place in Ghana between December 20th and 22nd, with the return leg hosted in Nigeria one week later. This setup creates a difficult challenge for the Super Eagles B, as they will need to perform well in an away match before returning home for the decisive second leg. Success over these two matches will secure a spot in the upcoming CHAN tournament, making this preparation period critical for the team to solidify their strategies and build team cohesion.
Ultimately, this is not just a chance for the Super Eagles B to qualify for a continental tournament; it is also an opportunity to showcase the talents of players who represent Nigeria’s home-grown football scene. As local leagues continue to develop and produce skilled athletes, the performance of the Super Eagles B will reflect the depth of football culture present in Nigeria. The upcoming qualifiers against Ghana will be a litmus test, as the team seeks to claim victory and elevate Nigerian football’s stature on the continental stage.
