The upcoming qualification draw for the 2024 CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) will take place on October 9, as announced by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). This tournament, designed specifically for players who compete in domestic leagues, has significant importance for national teams that utilize locally-based talent. Notably, Nigeria’s Super Eagles B team, which has missed the last two editions of CHAN, is expecting to participate. The tournament is set to unfold in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania from February 1 to 28, 2025, showcasing the continued commitment of these nations to develop and promote football within Africa.
Following an absence from the tournament in the last two cycles, Nigeria is keen to demonstrate its prowess on the continental stage once again. The first round of the qualifiers for the tournament will take place from October 25 to 27 and November 1 to 3, while the second round is scheduled for late December, specifically from December 20 to 27 and then December 29. This structured qualification process is critical for nations aiming to secure a spot in a prestigious tournament that emphasizes homegrown talent.
CAF has touted the CHAN tournament as a platform for exposing the evolving landscape of African football talent. Since its inception in 2009, the tournament has grown in reputation, offering a stage for players to showcase their skills and for countries to compete on an international level. The statement released by CAF emphasizes the importance of this competition not just for individual teams, but also for promoting the high-quality football that Africa has to offer, illustrating the continent’s vibrant and competitive spirit.
In recent years, Nigeria’s fortunes in this championship have been less than favorable. The team failed to qualify for both the 2020 edition and the subsequent tournament in 2022, which was hosted by Algeria and ultimately won by Senegal. This streak of missed opportunities reflects the need for Nigeria to recalibrate its approach and strategy in order to reclaim its status as a powerhouse in African football, particularly in tournaments such as CHAN that prioritize local league players.
Additionally, CAF has announced an increase in the tournament’s prize money, now set at $2 million, further underlining the value and prestige of the CHAN competition. This financial incentive not only raises the stakes for participating nations but also encourages investments in domestic leagues and the development of local talent. Moreover, the choice of Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania as co-hosts is particularly strategic, allowing these countries to refine their planning for the upcoming TotalEnergies AFCON in 2027, after having won the hosting rights over Nigeria and Benin.
The anticipation surrounding the CHAN tournament highlights the collective aspirations of African nations striving to improve their footballing infrastructure and domestic competitions. As Nigeria prepares for its CHAN qualification journey, the Super Eagles B are poised to rebuild and establish a formidable presence on the continental stage once again. With the draw set to take place and the qualifiers approaching, all eyes will be on how the teams position themselves for success in a tournament that promises to enhance the visibility of African football talent.
