Super Eagles boss Chelle drops killer 23-man squad for CHAN 2024

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has announced his final 23-man squad for the upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024, set to be held from August 2nd to 30th in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.

The team features a mix of experienced local stars and promising talents, with notable selections and strategic tactical choices.

Team captain and defensive stalwart Junior Harrison Nduka leads the squad, alongside forward Godwin Obaje. These players were chosen for their leadership qualities and impressive performances at the domestic level.

Other vital members include goalkeeper Ozoemena Ani, defenders Sodiq Ismaila and Stephen Mayo, midfield maestros Hadi Haruna and Alex Oyowah, as well as forwards Anas Yusuf, Sikiru Alimi, and Ijoma Anthony.

The carefully assembled lineup aims to boost Nigeria’s chances of clinching the first-ever gold medal in CHAN history, following their previous successes as bronze medallists in 2014 and silver in 2018.

The Super Eagles B team is scheduled to depart for Zanzibar on Thursday evening aboard an Ethiopian Airlines flight.

The players have been training rigorously for several weeks at the Remo Stars Sports Institute in Ikenne-Remo, Ogun State, preparing for the tough regional competition.

In addition, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has organised a second-phase training camp in Zanzibar from July 25th to 31st, allowing the players to acclimatize to the conditions before the tournament kicks off.

The team will stay in official accommodation on the island during this period.

To fine-tune their team chemistry, Nigeria's NFF has scheduled two friendly matches against the Zanzibar national team.

The first is set for Monday, July 28th, followed by a second encounter on Thursday, July 31st. These matches are aimed at evaluating the squad and implementing tactical adjustments ahead of the main event.

Nigeria is placed in Group D alongside reigning champions Senegal, Sudan, and Congo. The Super Eagles will open their campaign against Senegal and Sudan at the Amman Stadium on Zanzibar island.

Their final group match will be against Congo, held at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.

This 19-team tournament is highly competitive, and Nigeria's goal is to add another continental trophy to their record, building on their previous medals in the tournament.

Goalkeepers: Henry Ozoemena Ani (Enyimba FC); 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)

Midfielders: Adedayo Olamilekan (Remo Stars); Hadi Haruna (Remo Stars); Otaniyi Taofik (Rivers United); Akanni Qudus (Remo Stars); Michael Tochukwu (Remo Stars); Alex Oyowah (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)