Super Eagles B Held to Goalless Draw by Zanzibar in CHAN Warm-Up

The home-based Super Eagles B were held to a lively goalless draw by Zanzibar in a friendly match on Tuesday, as part of their preparations for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN). The encounter, played at the Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar, offered a stern test for Nigeria’s domestic squad ahead of the tournament.

Despite dominating possession and creating several chances, the Eagles were unable to break the deadlock, with the hosts standing firm defensively and occasionally threatening on the counter. Striker Godwin Obaje and midfielder Alex Oyowah came closest for Nigeria, but failed to convert their efforts.

Head coach Eric Chelle used the opportunity to rotate his squad and experiment with tactical variations. The match also allowed players to acclimatise to the local conditions, ahead of their CHAN group matches which will be hosted in Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam.

Nigeria’s Super Eagles B will face Zanzibar once more on Thursday in a second friendly before opening their CHAN campaign in August. The team is seeking its first CHAN title, having previously finished as runners-up in 2018 and third in 2014.

Editorial

A goalless draw may not excite the scoreboard watchers, but we believe this stalemate offers far more value than the numbers suggest. The Super Eagles B’s encounter with Zanzibar delivered critical insight into the team’s readiness for CHAN.

This match allowed the coaching staff to assess adaptability, chemistry and tactical fluidity under pressure. While a goal would have sweetened the outcome, the ability to dominate possession and create clear chances signals attacking intent. Finishing, though, remains an area requiring sharper precision.

Zanzibar, playing with resilience and home pride, tested Nigeria’s resolve—exactly the kind of opposition needed at this preparatory stage. These friendlies are not about results but rehearsal—testing formations, building cohesion and embedding strategy under tournament-like conditions.

We are also encouraged by Eric Chelle’s squad rotation. Experimentation now can prevent panic later. With depth and versatility, Nigeria can tackle CHAN’s intense group phase, especially in a pool featuring former champions like Senegal and rugged sides like Sudan.

If anything, this result is a timely reminder that trophies are earned through work, not reputation. For the Super Eagles B, it’s not about peaking too early it’s about timing their ascent perfectly. Thursday’s rematch will be another key measure in their evolving campaign.

This goalless but instructive friendly shows that preparation is on track. Let’s build on this.

Did You Know?

1. Zanzibar fields a separate national team despite being part of Tanzania and is a member of CECAFA but not FIFA.
2. Nigeria’s last goalless draw in a CHAN build-up match came in January 2016 against Angola in Pretoria.
3. Godwin Obaje was the NPFL’s top scorer in the 2016 season with 18 goals while playing for Wikki Tourists.
4. Eric Chelle previously led Mali to the semi-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations before accepting the Nigeria B team role.
5. The Super Eagles B are set to face Congo in their opening CHAN match on 2 August at the Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar.