The Super Eagles of Nigeria have been placed in a tough Group D for the upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2025. The draw, which was conducted at the prestigious Kenyatta International Convention Centre in Nairobi, saw Nigeria drawn alongside Senegal, Sudan, and Congo Brazzaville.
This year’s tournament, which was originally scheduled to take place earlier, has been rescheduled for August 2025, with Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda confirmed as the joint hosts. Despite the delay, the competition promises to deliver exciting football action, with the Super Eagles hopeful of improving on their previous performances.
A Grueling Group for the Super Eagles
Nigeria’s placement in Group D means that they will face some of Africa’s toughest teams. Senegal, the current powerhouse in African football, is considered one of the strongest teams in the competition. The Senegalese, who have a reputation for producing top-level talent, will be a formidable opponent for the Eagles.
Sudan and Congo Brazzaville, while perhaps not as globally renowned as Senegal, are far from pushovers. These teams have been improving in recent years, with both countries showing resilience in qualifiers and international friendlies. Nigeria’s encounter with these sides will certainly test the strength and unity of the Home-based Super Eagles.
“We’ve always faced challenges in major competitions, but we believe in our players,” said a confident NFF (Nigeria Football Federation) official, who requested to remain anonymous. “The team has been working hard and with the right mentality, we can go all the way this time.”
The Rescheduling of CHAN 2025
Initially slated to take place earlier, the 8th edition of the African Nations Championship has been delayed until August 2025. The tournament, which is designed exclusively for players from local leagues, will be co-hosted by Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda.
Kenya, one of the joint hosts, is set to lead Group A, which includes Morocco, Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Zambia. The opening match of the tournament will feature a historic clash between Kenya and Morocco, the champions of 2018, in what promises to be an exciting opener for the competition.
“We are proud to be part of this event,” said a representative of the Kenyan Football Federation, “and we are confident that our team will perform well, especially with the home advantage.”
Nigeria’s Strong Hope: Going for Glory
The Home-based Super Eagles, under the guidance of new head coach Éric Chelle, are eager to improve on their last outing in the tournament, where they secured a silver medal in 2018. The team’s ambitions are high, and they are determined to take one step further and claim the gold.
Super Eagles’ forward, Peter Olayinka, who was part of the squad in 2018, spoke with optimism about the upcoming competition. “We have learned a lot from the 2018 experience. We know what it takes to win, and we are more focused now than ever. We’re ready to face any challenge,” he said.
The Super Eagles’ preparations have been intense, with regular training camps aimed at building chemistry among the players. However, with the high level of competition in Group D, they know that they cannot afford to underestimate their opponents.
“We know what Senegal, Congo, and Sudan bring to the table. But we are ready for them. Our goal is to go all the way and make Nigeria proud,” Olayinka added.
The Other Groups: Intense Rivalries Expected
While Nigeria’s Group D looks tough, the other groups also promise to deliver competitive and thrilling football. In Group A, Kenya will face strong teams like Morocco, Angola, and Zambia. The opening match between Kenya and Morocco will likely set the tone for the rest of the competition.
Group B, led by Tanzania, includes teams such as Madagascar, Mauritania, Burkina Faso, and the Central African Republic, a side that stunned many by eliminating Cameroon in the qualifiers. Their inclusion in this group will add to the excitement, as they will be aiming to continue their giant-killing run.
Uganda, one of the co-hosts, will lead Group C, which includes Niger Republic, Guinea, and two wild-card teams to be determined by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). The wild-card teams could be strong contenders, adding further intrigue to an already unpredictable group.
Nigeria’s Road to Glory
Despite the tough competition, the Super Eagles have a clear objective: to win the tournament and showcase the strength of Nigerian football. With the backing of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) and the fervent support of Nigerian fans, the Eagles are expected to fly high in the tournament.
“We have a strong team, and with the right preparation and mindset, we can take on anyone,” said the NFF official. “The Super Eagles are more than ready to make history in 2025.”
