The Nigerian national football team, Super Eagles B, has announced a provisional 35-man squad for the upcoming 8th African Nations Championship (CHAN) scheduled to be held in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Head Coach Eric Chelle has entrusted the leadership of the squad to Junior Nduka, who has been named the team captain, alongside vice-captains Papa Mustapha Daniel and forward Anas Yusuf. The squad boasts a mix of seasoned players and promising young talents, reflecting Chelle’s strategic approach to building a competitive team capable of challenging for the CHAN title.
The goalkeeping department sees the inclusion of first-choice goalkeeper Henry Ani, providing a sense of stability and experience between the posts. He will be supported by Kayode Bankole and Ebenezer Harcourt, who will be vying for the backup spot. The defensive line is fortified by the presence of Waliu Ojetoye, Ifeanyi Onyebuchi, Mohammed Kabiru, and Uzondu Harrison, offering a blend of physicality, tactical awareness, and defensive prowess. Sodiq Ismaila and Stephen Egbe further bolster the defensive options, providing depth and competition for places in the starting lineup.
In midfield, the Super Eagles B can rely on the creative spark and ball-winning abilities of Saviour Isaac and Haddi Haruna. These midfield dynamos will be instrumental in dictating the tempo of the game and linking the defense with the attack. Adam Aminu adds further depth and tactical flexibility to the midfield department, offering Chelle various options depending on the opposition and game situation.
The attacking force of the Super Eagles B is spearheaded by the trio of Sunday Megwo, Adamu Abubakar, and Godwin Obaje, each bringing unique qualities to the frontline. Megwo’s pace and dribbling skills, combined with Abubakar’s clinical finishing and Obaje’s aerial prowess, create a formidable attacking threat capable of breaching even the most resolute defenses. Atule Joseph and Temitope Vincent provide additional attacking options, offering Chelle the flexibility to adjust his tactics and inject fresh energy into the game.
Nigeria’s campaign in the CHAN tournament will begin with group stage matches against Senegal, holders of the CHAN title, Sudan, and Congo. The Super Eagles B will play their opening two fixtures against Senegal and Sudan at the Amman Stadium in Zanzibar before traveling to Dar es Salaam to face Congo at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium. The diverse locations add an element of logistical complexity to the tournament, requiring the team to adapt to different playing conditions and travel arrangements. This will test the squad’s resilience and adaptability, crucial factors in navigating the challenges of an international tournament.
The chosen players have been directed to report to the Remo Stars Sports Institute in Ikenne-Remo, Ogun State, on July 7th, equipped with their international passports and current club licenses. This designated assembly point will serve as the base for the team’s preparations, allowing the players to acclimatize, undergo training sessions, and foster team cohesion before the start of the tournament. The coaching staff will use this period to assess the players’ fitness levels, refine tactical strategies, and finalize the squad for the CHAN competition. The team’s performance in these preparatory sessions will play a significant role in determining the final selection and shaping the team’s approach to the tournament.
Nigeria’s participation in the CHAN tournament presents an opportunity for redemption and a chance to surpass their previous achievement of reaching the final in 2018, where they were narrowly defeated by Morocco. The Super Eagles B will be aiming to go one step further this time and claim their maiden CHAN title. The tournament also serves as a platform for domestic players to showcase their talents on the international stage and potentially earn moves to more prominent clubs. The experience gained from competing against some of the best teams in Africa will be invaluable for the players’ development and contribute to the growth of Nigerian football. The nation’s footballing future rests on the shoulders of these players, and their performance in the CHAN tournament will be closely scrutinized by fans and scouts alike. The pressure to perform will be immense, but it also presents an opportunity for these players to etch their names in Nigerian football history.
