Former Nigeria international Garba Lawal has expressed confidence in the home-based Super Eagles securing a CHAN ticket this time around, as they prepare to face fierce rivals Ghana.

The Black Stars have been a stumbling block for Nigeria, denying the Eagles qualification for two editions of the African Nations Championship, CHAN. However, Lawal believes the squad must look beyond past disappointments and focus on achieving success.

Speaking to Brila.net, Lawal urged the players to use their previous failures as motivation:

“I believe the players also want to play CHAN. It’s the same feeling when you play for the Super Eagles.

This is the biggest tournament for the CHAN Eagles, and they have to take their chances.”

The home-based Super Eagles are currently in camp at the Remo Stars Sports Institute in Ikenne-Remo, Ogun State, fine-tuning preparations for the crucial qualifier.

CHAN, a competition exclusively for players in domestic leagues, has been an elusive stage for Nigeria in recent years.

The Eagles failed to qualify for the 2009, 2011, 2021, and 2023 editions. However, they achieved podium finishes in 2014 (bronze in South Africa) and 2018 (silver in Morocco).

For the Super Eagles B, the upcoming clash with Ghana is more than just a qualification battle, it is an opportunity to restore faith among Nigerian football fans after missing back-to-back CHAN tournaments.

The first leg of the qualifiers will be played on Sunday, December 22, at the Accra Sports Stadium, with the return leg set for Saturday, December 28, at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.

With their rivalry against Ghana at its peak, the CHAN Eagles are determined to rewrite history and make their mark on the continental stage once again.