Kano Pillars midfielder Rabiu Ali, alongside 29 other home-based players, has been summoned to the Super Eagles B camp by interim coach Austin Eguavoen in preparation for the upcoming double-header against Ghana in the 2024 CHAN qualifiers. This marks the third phase of training for these players, following two earlier sessions in Abuja conducted by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). Rabiu Ali, who has been in impressive form for the 2024/25 NPFL season, scoring eight goals, leads a selection that includes notable talents like Remo Stars goalkeeper Kayode Bankole and Rivers United defender Steven Mayo, among others.
The players are expected to report to camp at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne starting Wednesday, December 4. The first leg of the qualifiers is set for December 22 in Accra, while the return leg will unfold at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on December 28. This strategic move by the NFF and the coaching staff underscores the importance of these fixtures as they aim to secure a spot in the African Nations Championship (CHAN), which is exclusively for players from domestic leagues.
Among the selected players are several key figures demonstrating strong performances in their respective clubs. Enyimba FC’s Henry Ozoemena, Remo Stars’ Ismail Sadiq, and Kazeem Ogunleye of Enugu Rangers are just a few of the prominent players included in the squad. This campaign is particularly significant as Nigeria has a historical rivalry with Ghana, having been denied spots in the CHAN finals twice by their West African counterparts in 2009 and 2023. The backdrop of this rivalry adds an extra layer of intensity and importance to the forthcoming matches.
Historically, Nigeria has faced challenges during their encounters with Ghana in CHAN qualifiers. In their inaugural qualifying campaign hosted by Ivory Coast, Nigeria failed to capitalize on a 2-0 first-half lead, ultimately losing the match 3-2. In the last qualifiers hosted in Algeria, Ghana again emerged victorious in the first leg, while Nigeria’s efforts in the return leg were thwarted, leading to a penalty shootout and Nigeria’s exit from the tournament. These past results highlight the critical nature of the upcoming matches and the need for a focused and disciplined performance from the Super Eagles B.
The squad selection reflects the depth of talent available in the Nigerian domestic leagues. With players from clubs across the NPFL, there is a blend of experience and youthful energy within the team. The inclusion of players like Anas Yusuf, the top scorer in the league, alongside seasoned midfielders and defenders, aims to create a balanced team ready to take on the challenges presented by their rivals. As the squad prepares for their training camp, the emphasis will be on building team chemistry and tactical execution to ensure a successful outcome in the qualifiers.
With the CHAN 2024 edition set to take place in February 2025 in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, these qualifiers serve as a crucial stepping stone for the Super Eagles B. The objective is not just to qualify but to forge a stronger squad capable of contending at the continental level. As the team gears up for the intense fixtures against Ghana, the energy of the domestic league’s best players is expected to contribute significantly to Nigeria’s chances of progressing further in the championship and reclaiming their standing in African football.
