Nigeria's quest for a fourth appearance at the African Nations Championship (CHAN) is gaining momentum as the Super Eagles B players ramp up their training. The team, hosted at the state-of-the-art Remo Stars Sports Institute in Ikenne-Remo, Ogun State, is preparing for a crucial two-legged qualifier against Ghana’s Black Galaxies.
A total of 30 players were invited to the camp last week, and training sessions have been rigorous as the coaches aim to build a strong squad. Notably absent are Enyimba FC stars Henry Ozoemena and Imo Obot, who have been excused due to their key roles in their club's CAF Confederation Cup campaign.
Ozoemena delivered an exceptional performance in Enyimba’s recent clash with Zamalek FC of Egypt, producing numerous critical saves to secure a 2-2 draw in Uyo. His absence from camp underscores the trust in his readiness for the qualifiers, despite missing the early preparations.
The CHAN competition, exclusive to players based in domestic leagues, has been a mixed journey for Nigeria. The Super Eagles B missed qualification for the 2009, 2011, 2021, and 2023 editions. However, they made their mark with a bronze medal in 2014 in South Africa and a silver medal in 2018 in Morocco.
Nigeria's 2016 campaign in Rwanda ended in disappointment, with the team bowing out at the group stage. This history has motivated the current squad, which is determined to secure a ticket to the 2024 CHAN tournament and redeem Nigeria’s standing in the competition.
Coaches Daniel Ogunmodede and Fidelis Ikechukwu have been working tirelessly with the players, emphasizing tactical drills, fitness, and teamwork. The technical crew aims to ensure that the team is fully prepared for the first leg of the qualifier, which is scheduled to take place at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday, December 22nd.
The players are embracing the challenge, pushing themselves to impress the coaching staff and secure a spot in the final squad. The atmosphere in camp has been described as intense yet positive, with players motivated by the opportunity to represent their country.
Nigeria’s preparations come against the backdrop of a rivalry with Ghana, whose Black Galaxies have consistently posed a threat in West African football. The encounter promises to be a fiercely contested affair, with both teams eyeing a place in the CHAN tournament.
The Super Eagles B are not just focused on qualification but also on making a strong statement about the quality of Nigeria’s domestic league players. Their commitment in training reflects the high stakes of this matchup and the desire to bring glory to the nation.
As the countdown to the first leg continues, fans eagerly anticipate a thrilling encounter between two of Africa’s football powerhouses. With the training camp in full swing, Nigeria’s Super Eagles B are leaving no stone unturned in their pursuit of success.
0 Comments