Interim coach Austin Eguavoen has called up Kano Pillars midfielder Rabiu Ali and 29 other home-based players to the Super Eagles B camp as preparations ramp up for the upcoming 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifiers against Ghana. This squad marks the third phase of training for these players, following two previous camps organized by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) in November. The significance of this call-up emphasizes the integration of top domestic talent as they aim to secure a position in the prestigious tournament, which showcases local players from various countries.
Among the 30-player roster for the double-header fixtures are notable names such as Remo Stars’ goalkeeper Kayode Bankole and Rivers United defender Steven Mayo. There is also a spotlight on Abia Warriors’ promising forward, Sunday Megwo, and the Nigeria Premier League’s leading scorer, Anas Yusuf, who has already netted eight goals this season. These players bring a blend of skill, experience, and form into the camp, which is set to commence at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne on December 4. The first leg against Ghana will take place on December 22 in Accra, followed by a return leg in Uyo on December 28.
The invited players further include key goalkeepers like Henry Ozoemena of Enyimba FC, as well as a trio of talents from Remo Stars: Jide Fatokun, Ismail Sadiq, and Junior Nduka. Midfielders such as Kazeem Ogunleye from Enugu Rangers, Taiwo Abdulrafiu from Rivers United, and Ifeanyi Onyebuchi from Rangers International strengthen the midfield options for Eguavoen. Meanwhile, Victor Collins from Nasarawa United, who was recently called up for AFCON 2025 qualifying matches, adds further experience to the lineup. This variety in positions and abilities underscores a strategic approach by the coaching staff as they tailor their tactics for the challenging qualifiers.
In addition to the established professionals, some emerging talents have made the cut, such as Ikorodu City captain Waliu Ojetoye and players like Saviour Isaac from Rangers International and Musa Zayyad of El-Kanemi Warriors. In-form athletes like Emmanuel from Kwara United and Papa Daniel Mustapha from Niger Tornadoes further enhance the competition for spots on the final squad. The inclusion of these diverse talents embodies the NFF’s strategy of fostering emerging local players while maintaining a resilient framework of seasoned veterans to guide them through the high-pressure environment of international competition.
The eighth edition of the African Nations Championship is scheduled for February 2025, co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. This tournament is specifically designed for players who compete in their home country’s domestic leagues, emphasizing the significance of local football and talent. The challenge for Nigeria will not only be to qualify but to surpass their past disappointments against Ghana. Historically, the Black Stars have proven to be a formidable opponent, having eliminated Nigeria from the finals in both the 2009 and 2023 editions.
The memorable encounters between Nigeria and Ghana in the CHAN qualifiers have demonstrated the intense rivalry and high stakes involved in this matchup. In previous attempts, Nigeria has faced heartbreaking losses and missed opportunities to advance. In the inaugural CHAN qualifiers in 2009, despite a promising 2-0 lead in the first leg, Nigeria ultimately succumbed to a second-half collapse, allowing Ghana to secure a 3-2 aggregate victory. The recent history of encounters highlights the need for a well-prepared and cohesive team as they look to break this streak and successfully qualify for the tournament, bringing pride to Nigerian football fans.
