The Nigerian home-based Super Eagles, preparing for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), encountered a mixed bag of results in their pre-tournament friendlies, culminating in a 2-2 draw against Zanzibar on Friday. Despite establishing a comfortable two-goal lead in the first half, courtesy of goals from Anas Yusuf and Adedayo Olamilekan, the Eagles were unable to hold onto their advantage, allowing Zanzibar to claw their way back into the game and secure a draw in the second half. This outcome underscored the team’s fluctuating performance in the lead-up to the tournament, raising questions about their readiness for the challenging competition ahead.
Coach Eric Chelle utilized the friendly matches as an opportunity to experiment with different lineups and formations, aiming to assess the adaptability and match fitness of his squad. In the game against Zanzibar, he made five changes to the starting eleven from their previous goalless encounter, introducing players like Akanni Kudus, Egbe Manyo, Malik Jabbar, Vincent Temitope, and Anas Yusuf. This rotational approach, while providing valuable assessment opportunities, also seemed to disrupt the team’s cohesion in the second half, contributing to their inability to maintain their lead. Furthermore, Chelle prioritized player welfare, carefully managing playing time to minimize the risk of injuries just days before the commencement of the tournament.
The 2-2 draw against Zanzibar followed a series of warm-up matches with varying outcomes. The Super Eagles B began their preparations with a convincing 2-0 victory over Ojodu City, with goals from Afeez Bankole and Anthony Ijeoma. They followed this up with a 3-1 comeback win against Ikorodu City, demonstrating resilience and attacking prowess. However, the subsequent goalless draw against Zanzibar in their first encounter hinted at potential vulnerabilities, which were further exposed in the second match. This inconsistency in performance highlighted the need for the team to find greater consistency and cohesion before the start of the CHAN tournament.
The 2024 CHAN, officially known as the CAF African Nations Championship Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda 2024, is scheduled to take place from August 2nd to 30th. Nigeria, having missed the previous edition, secured their qualification by defeating Ghana 3-1 on aggregate. Their return to the tournament carries significant weight, particularly given their past performance, where they finished as runners-up in 2018. This year, they are aiming to go one step further and secure their first-ever CHAN title, a feat that would mark a significant milestone in Nigerian football history.
The team’s preparations have been geared towards navigating the challenges of a demanding group stage, where they will play their initial two matches on the island of Zanzibar before traveling to Dar es Salaam to face Congo. The draw against Zanzibar serves as a reminder of the competitive landscape they will encounter. The ability to adapt to different opponents and playing conditions will be crucial for their success. Coach Chelle’s focus on tactical flexibility and squad depth suggests an awareness of these demands, but the team’s performances in the warm-up games indicate that there is still work to be done to achieve the desired level of consistency and cohesiveness.
The pre-tournament friendlies have provided valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the Super Eagles B squad. While the attacking potential is evident, the team’s defensive vulnerabilities and susceptibility to second-half lapses are areas that require attention. The coaching staff will need to analyze these shortcomings and implement corrective measures before the start of the tournament. The experience gained from these matches, both positive and negative, will be crucial for the team’s preparation and their aspirations of making a significant impact in the 2024 CHAN. The upcoming tournament presents a significant opportunity for the Nigerian team to showcase their talent and make a statement on the continental stage. Their performance will be closely followed by fans and analysts alike, eager to see if they can deliver on their potential and achieve their ambitious goal of winning the championship.
