The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has scheduled the draw for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) for Wednesday, January 15th. This tournament, exclusively for players competing in their respective countries’ domestic leagues, will be co-hosted by Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda from February 1st to 28th, 2025. Eighteen nations have qualified for the tournament’s eighth edition, and the draw, taking place at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre in Nairobi, Kenya, will determine the group stage matchups. Coincidentally, the draw coincides with the commencement of Nigeria’s training camp for the tournament, with 26 home-based players convening at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne starting today, Monday. Nigeria’s qualification marks a significant achievement, overcoming rivals Ghana’s Black Galaxies to secure their spot in the finals.
The 18 participating nations bring a diverse representation of African football to the CHAN tournament. They include Morocco, Guinea, Senegal, Mauritania, Niger, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Central African Republic, Congo, DR Congo, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Sudan, Rwanda, Zambia, Angola, and Madagascar. The three host nations, Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, have been pre-assigned as the top seeds in Groups A, B, and C, respectively. The remaining 15 teams have been divided into three pots based on their performances in the previous three CHAN tournaments, ensuring a balanced and competitive group stage draw. This seeding system considers the historical performance of each team, aiming to create exciting matchups from the outset of the tournament.
Pot 1 features two strong contenders: Morocco, a previous host and champion, and the reigning champions, Senegal. These teams represent the pinnacle of recent CHAN success and are expected to be among the favorites in the 2024 edition. Pot 2 comprises Guinea, Zambia, Madagascar, Rwanda, and Sudan, nations with varying degrees of CHAN experience and success. Pot 3 includes Nigeria, Mauritania, Niger, Congo, Angola, Burkina Faso, Central African Republic, and Democratic Republic of Congo. This diverse group presents a mix of experienced CHAN campaigners and newcomers, promising a dynamic and unpredictable tournament.
Nigeria’s Super Eagles B, having qualified for the CHAN finals for the fourth time after overcoming Ghana, are aiming to improve on their previous best finish of runners-up in 2018. The team, coached by Daniel Ogunmodede, has called up 26 players for the initial training camp, including a blend of experienced campaigners and promising young talents. Among the invitees are players from various Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) clubs, including Remo Stars, Kano Pillars, and others. The squad selection reflects a mix of youth and experience, aiming to create a balanced team capable of competing at the highest level.
Nigeria’s qualification journey saw a hard-fought victory over rivals Ghana. After a goalless draw in the first leg in Accra, the Super Eagles B secured their place in the finals with a decisive 3-1 win in Uyo. This victory showcased the team’s resilience and attacking prowess, signaling their intent to make a significant impact in the 2024 CHAN tournament. Having previously finished third in the 2014 edition held in South Africa, the team is determined to go further this time and claim their first CHAN title. The opportunity to compete on the continental stage provides a valuable platform for home-based players to showcase their talent and potentially attract interest from clubs abroad.
The 26-man squad assembled in Ikenne represents a cross-section of Nigerian football talent, drawing players from various clubs across the NPFL. Notable names in the squad include Remo Stars duo Sodiq Ismail and Jide Fatokun, Kano Pillars midfielder and captain Rabiu Ali, goalkeeper Henry Ozoemena, defender Ifeanyi Onyebuchi, midfielder Saviour Isaac, and forward Sikiru Alimi. These players, along with their teammates, will be vying for a spot in the final squad that will represent Nigeria in the CHAN tournament. The training camp will provide an opportunity for the coaching staff to assess the players’ fitness, tactical understanding, and overall readiness for the tournament. The competition for places within the squad is expected to be intense, further motivating the players to perform at their best.
