The Super Eagles B team is ready for action at the 8th African Nations Championship (CHAN) as head coach Eric Chelle unveiled a solid 23-man squad ahead of the tournament scheduled to run from August 2 to 30 across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
The final list includes a mix of experienced and exciting home-based talents, led by team captain Junior Harrison Nduka of Remo Stars. The defender is joined by dynamic forward Godwin Obaje and experienced striker Sikiru Alimi, as Nigeria sets its sights on reclaiming continental glory at the competition strictly reserved for players plying their trade in their respective domestic leagues.
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Also making the cut are goalkeeper Henry Ozoemena Ani (Enyimba), midfield orchestrator Alex Oyowah (Remo Stars), and promising forward Ijoma Anthony (Abia Warriors). The team has been in intensive training at the Remo Stars Sports Institute in Ikenne, Ogun State, preparing meticulously for the task ahead.
The squad will depart Nigeria for Zanzibar on Thursday night aboard an Ethiopian Airlines flight. There, they will continue with a second-phase training camp from July 25 to 31 as part of the final stretch of preparation before moving into official accommodation provided by tournament organizers.
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To fine-tune match readiness, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has arranged two friendly matches against the Zanzibar senior national team. The first will be held on Monday, July 28, followed by another test game on Thursday, July 31.
Nigeria’s Super Eagles B will compete in Group D of the 19-team tournament. They will face defending champions Senegal, Sudan, and Congo in what promises to be one of the most competitive pools in this year’s CHAN. The team’s first two matches will be held at Amman Stadium, Zanzibar, before wrapping up the group stage against Congo at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
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Nigeria has a storied history at the CHAN tournament, finishing as bronze medalists in 2014 and silver medallists in 2018. The 2024 edition offers another chance for this new-look squad to bring home gold.
Full Squad List – Super Eagles B for 8th CHAN:
Goalkeepers:
Henry Ozoemena Ani (Enyimba), Nurudeen Badmus (Kwara United), Lawal Mustapha (Shooting Stars)
Defenders:
Sodiq Ismaila (Remo Stars), Bankole Afeez (Kwara United), Taiwo Abdulrafiu (Rivers United), Uzondu Harrison (Ikorodu City), Junior Harrison Nduka (Remo Stars), Ngengen Leonard (Ikorodu City), Steven Mayo Egbe (Rivers United)
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Midfielders:
Adedayo Olamilekan, Hadi Haruna, Otaniyi Taofik, Akanni Qudus, Michael Tochukwu, Alex Oyowah (all Remo Stars)
Forwards:
Anas Yusuf (Nasarawa United), Shola Adelani (Ikorodu City), Sikiru Alimi (Remo Stars), Temitope Vincent (Plateau United), Ijoma Anthony (Abia Warriors), Godwin Obaje (Rangers International), Jabbar Malik (Remo Stars)
As the CHAN journey begins in East Africa, all eyes will be on how Chelle’s men rise to the challenge.
