Interim coach Austin Eguavoen has called up 30 home-based players to join the Super Eagles B camp as they prepare for the upcoming 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifiers against Ghana.
This call-up marks an important phase in Nigeria’s bid to qualify for the 2024 CHAN tournament, which is set to take place in February 2025 across Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. The qualifiers, which are crucial for Nigeria’s hopes of participating in the competition, will see the Super Eagles B take on Ghana in a two-legged tie.
The squad, which was announced on December 2, 2024, includes key players such as Kano Pillars midfielder Rabiu Ali, who has been in scintillating form this season. Ali, at 44, has scored eight goals in the ongoing Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season and is expected to lead the charge in the midfield.
The 30-man squad also features prominent names like Remo Stars goalkeeper Kayode Bankole, Rivers United defender Steven Mayo, and Abia Warriors forward Sunday Megwo. Another notable inclusion is Nasarawa United defender Victor Collins, who was part of the squad for Nigeria’s recent 2025 AFCON qualifiers against Benin Republic and Rwanda.
The home-based players will resume camp at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, ahead of the first leg of the qualifiers, which will take place in Accra on Sunday, December 22, 2024. The return leg is scheduled for Saturday, December 28, 2024, at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
The stakes could not be higher for both nations. Ghana has a history of denying Nigeria a spot in the CHAN finals. In 2009 and 2023, Ghana defeated Nigeria in crucial qualifiers. In 2009, Nigeria squandered a 2-0 first-half lead, allowing Ghana to score three goals in the second half and ultimately seal qualification. In the 2023 edition, Ghana won 2-0 in the first leg but was held to a 0-0 draw in the return leg, progressing after a tense penalty shootout.
Nigeria will be aiming to avoid another heartbreak at the hands of their West African rivals. The players know that these qualifiers represent their best opportunity to showcase their talent on a continental stage, and they will be determined to succeed.
The squad’s preparation has been extensive, with three phases of camp already conducted. The most recent session took place in Abuja, where the players were put through their paces by the coaching staff led by Eguavoen. This third and final phase of camping is expected to sharpen the players’ fitness and tactical awareness ahead of the crucial clash.
“We know what’s at stake,” Eguavoen said in a statement. “This team has the potential to do well, and we will do everything to ensure we qualify for the 2024 CHAN tournament. The players are ready, and we have faith in their abilities.”
Eguavoen’s leadership will be pivotal in guiding the team through what is expected to be a challenging encounter against Ghana. The 2024 CHAN tournament, which is exclusively for players competing in their home leagues, presents a significant opportunity for these home-based stars to shine on the international stage.
The Nigerian coach will be counting on a mix of experience and youthful energy to navigate the qualifiers. Key players like Rabiu Ali, who has been a standout performer for Kano Pillars, and goalkeeper Kayode Bankole, who has impressed with Remo Stars, will play crucial roles in the team’s success.
The full squad list includes goalkeepers Henry Ozoemena (Enyimba FC), Kayode Bankole (Remo Stars), and Nurudeen Badmus (Kwara United); defenders Ismail Sadiq (Remo Stars), Waliu Ojewole (Ikorodu City), Imo Obot (Enyimba FC), and Taiwo Abdulrafiu (Rivers United); midfielders Jide Fatokun (Remo Stars), Saviour Isaac (Rangers International), and Kazeem Ogunleye (Rangers International); and forwards Anas Yusuf (Nasarawa United), Sikiru Alimi (Remo Stars), and Umar Al-Amin Ibrahim (El-Kanemi Warriors), among others.
The tension is building as the qualifiers approach, and Nigeria’s home-based stars are aware of the challenge ahead. But with experienced players like Rabiu Ali leading the charge and a passionate fan base behind them, the Super Eagles B are ready to take on Ghana and secure a place in the 2024 CHAN tournament.
