As the date for the CHAN qualifiers approaches, Super Eagles B defender Sodiq Ismael has emphasized that he and his teammates are unfazed by the challenge ahead.

The Remo Stars defender dismissed concerns about playing the first leg away, insisting that what matters most is securing qualification.

Nigeria will face Ghana’s Black Galaxies in a two-legged encounter, with the first leg set to take place in Accra on Sunday, December 22, before the return leg in Uyo on Saturday, December 28.

In an interview with Brila.net, Sodiq stated:

“It doesn’t matter who plays at home first. What matters is that we play good football and get the maximum three points.

Playing at home isn’t necessary; what really matters is that we take our chances when we have them in the game.”

The CHAN Eagles are determined to make amends after missing out on the 2023 edition, where they were eliminated by Ghana.

This time, the team is focused on securing a place in the tournament and potentially lifting the title.

The eighth edition of the African Nations Championship is scheduled to take place in February 2025, co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.

The competition is exclusive to players competing in their country’s domestic leagues under standard professional contracts.

Nigeria’s history in the tournament includes a third-place finish in 2014 and a runner-up spot in 2018, losing the final to hosts Morocco.

With a rich history but no CHAN title to date, the Super Eagles B are determined to secure qualification and charge for the elusive crown.