The CHAN Eagles began their preparations for the final 2025 CHAN playoff against arch-rivals Ghana with a narrow 1-0 victory over Grassrunners FC in a friendly match on Sunday afternoon.

The home-based Super Eagles side struggled to break down their opponents for much of the game but secured the win in stoppage time.

Substitute Papa Daniel of Niger Tornadoes converted a penalty in the 92nd minute to seal the victory.

The match featured several standout players, including Remo Stars’ goalkeeper Kayode Bankole, Sodiq Ismail, Nduka Junior, and Sikiru Alimi, as well as Victor Collins of Nasarawa United, who earned a Super Eagles call-up last month.

Veteran midfielder Rabiu Ali also brought experience to the starting lineup.

The team opened their training camp on Wednesday in Ikenne as they prepare for the high-stakes playoff.

The first leg of the CHAN playoff is scheduled for December 22 in Ghana, with the return leg set for six days later in Uyo, Nigeria.

The aggregate winners will secure a place in the 2025 African Nations Championship, CHAN, a tournament exclusively for players competing in their domestic leagues.

Nigeria narrowly missed out on the 2022 CHAN after a dramatic penalty shootout loss to Ghana in Abuja. Despite overturning a 2-0 first-leg deficit with a spirited home performance, the Super Eagles B fell short in the decisive shootout.

The team last featured in the CHAN in 2018, finishing as runners-up. However, they failed to qualify for the 2020 and 2022 editions, adding pressure to deliver this time around.

With the stakes higher than ever, the CHAN Eagles will look to secure their place in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda next year, aiming to reestablish Nigeria as a powerhouse in domestic football.