Assistant coach Daniel Ogunmodede has named his final 18-man squad for the first leg of the 2025 African Nations Championship, CHAN playoff against Ghana, set to take place in Accra on Sunday, December 22.
The experienced Kano Pillars midfielder Rabiu Ali will captain the CHAN Eagles in this crucial encounter, often referred to as the “Jollof Derby.”
A total of 29 players had been training at the Remo Stars Sports Institute in Ikenne, but the matchday roster was trimmed down to 18 as previously announced.
Key Players in the Squad
Ogunmodede’s selection includes several key players, such as:
Veteran Rabiu Ali, who brings leadership and experience to the squad, wing-back Ismail Sadiq and center-back Steven Manyo.
The roster also features goalkeeper Henry Ozoemena, defender Victor Collins, and forward Abubakar Adamu, as Nigeria looks to overturn past disappointments against Ghana.
The Black Galaxies previously denied Nigeria qualification for the CHAN tournament in 2009 and 2023.
Preparation and Coaching Team
The CHAN Eagles, led by Ogunmodede and supported by assistant coaches Fidelis Ilechukwu and Olatunji Baruwa, have undergone rigorous training sessions since October.
Their final camp at the Remo Stars Sports Institute spanned three weeks, allowing the team to finalize tactics and build cohesion ahead of the playoffs.
Match Schedule
The first leg will take place on Sunday, December 22, at the Accra Sports Stadium, with the return leg set for Saturday, December 28, in Uyo.
FULL SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Henry Ozoemena (Enyimba FC); Kayode Bankole (Remo Stars)
Defenders: Ismail Sadiq (Remo Stars); Waliu Ojetoye (Ikorodu City); Imo Obot (Enyimba FC); Junior Nduka (Remo Stars); Victor Collins (Nasarawa United); Ifeanyi Onyebuchi (Rangers International); Steven Manyo (Rivers United)
Midfielders: Jide Fatokun (Remo Stars); Rabiu Ali (Kano Pillars); Saviour Isaac (Rangers International); Musa Zayyad (El-Kanemi Warriors)
Forwards: Anas Yusuf (Nasarawa United); Adamu Abubakar (Plateau United) Sikiru Alimi (Remo Stars); Emmanuel Ogbole (Kwara United); Papa Daniel Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes)
As Nigeria looks to secure a spot in the 2025 CHAN tournament, all eyes will be on this talented squad to deliver a strong performance in the first leg of this high-stakes encounter.
