With just days to go before the first leg of the much-anticipated 2024 African Nations Championship, CHAN qualifiers, the CHAN Eagles are intensifying preparations for their showdown against the Black Galaxies of Ghana.
The two-legged encounter will determine which team secures a ticket to the tournament, which Nigeria has failed to qualify for in the last two editions.
The CHAN Eagles lost the 2023 ticket to Ghana on penalties and are keen to make amends this time.
The Nigeria Football Federation, NFF announced a 30-man squad drawn from the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL for the qualifiers.
However, assistant coach and Remo Stars gaffer, Daniel Ogunmodede had revealed that 29 players are currently in camp, with Ossy Martins absent due to injury.
Speaking on No Holds Barred with Ifeanyi Udeze on Brila FM Ogunmodede stated ;
“Ossy Martins had an accident, sustaining a cut to his leg while heading to camp after playing in the CAF Confederation Cup against Zamalek.
When asked about the possibility of replacing Martins, Ogunmodede explained, “The squad will be pruned to 23 players after a series of test games, and 18 will travel for the first leg in Ghana, as per CAF rules.
Therefore, there’s no immediate need to invite another player.”
Ogunmodede also addressed the absence of head coach Augustine Eguavoen, confirming, “He is currently unavailable due to health reasons but will soon join us.”
Looking ahead to the clash with Ghana, Ogunmodede acknowledged the challenge posed by the Black Galaxies.
“Ghana are like a wounded lion. they didn’t do well at the last AFCON and failed to qualify for next year’s tournament. So our aim to compound their woes – but diligently.”
The first leg of the qualifiers is scheduled for Sunday, December 22, at the Accra Sports Stadium, while the return leg will take place on Saturday, December 28, at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
Nigeria has never won the CHAN title. Their best performance came in 2014 when they finished third in South Africa, followed by a runner-up finish in 2018 after losing to hosts Morocco in the final.
This match offers the CHAN Eagles an opportunity to rewrite history and secure their place at the tournament co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
