Super Eagles B Set for CHAN Opener Against Senegal

Fresh off the Super Falcons’ record-extending triumph at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, Nigeria’s home-based Super Eagles will begin their campaign at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) on Tuesday with a tough opener against defending champions Senegal, Sport360NG reports.

The eighth edition of CHAN, reserved for players plying their trade in domestic leagues, kicked off on Saturday across co-hosts Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda and will run through August 30.

Nigeria, participating in the tournament for the fourth time, are still in search of their first title. Their best finishes came in 2014, when they clinched bronze, and in 2018, when they finished as runners-up. The team missed out on the last two editions but secured qualification this year by overcoming Ghana 3-0 on aggregate.

Grouped alongside Senegal, Sudan, and Congo in Group B, the Super Eagles B will be aiming to go the distance under the guidance of Franco-Malian coach Eric Chelle. The squad features a blend of experience and fresh talent, including key players such as goalkeeper Ozoemena Ani, defenders Sodiq Ismaila and Junior Nduka, midfielder Alex Oyowah, and forwards Anas Yusuf and Sikiru Alimi, all of whom played pivotal roles in the qualifying campaign.

Chelle has bolstered his options with several new faces: Steven Mayo and Leonard Ngenge strengthen the backline, while Adedayo Olamilekan, Hadi Haruna, and Michael Tochukwu add steel to the midfield. In attack, Temitope Vincent, Shola Adelani, and Godwin Obaje provide added firepower.

The team underwent a thorough preparation phase, spending three weeks at a training camp in Ikenne-Remo, followed by another 10 days in Zanzibar. While they won all three friendlies in Ikenne, their final tune-ups against Zanzibar ended in draws (0-0 and 2-2), offering valuable lessons ahead of the tournament.

Chelle is optimistic about his squad’s prospects, pointing to strong morale and belief within the camp. With their opening match set for the Amaan Stadium, capacity 15,000 in Zanzibar, Nigeria will be eyeing maximum points to kick off their campaign and build early momentum before facing Sudan and Congo.

Meanwhile, co-hosts Tanzania got the tournament underway in impressive fashion, claiming a 2-0 win over Burkina Faso in their Group B opener at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.