Twenty-one players have arrived at the Remo Stars Sports Institute in Ikenne, Ogun State, to kick-start preparations for the 8th African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2025. They represent the initial contingent from a 35‑man provisional squad named by Head Coach Eric Chelle.
The first training session was held under floodlights on Monday at 7 p.m., with the remaining 14 invited players expected in camp today, confirmed Media Officer Promise Efoghe.
Notable attendees include captain Junior Nduka (Remo Stars), defenders Harrison Austin (Ikorodu City FC) and Lawal Mustapha (Shooting Stars), plus midfielders Abdulrafiu Taiwo (Rivers United) and Temitope Vincent (Plateau United). Other early arrivals are Adedayo Olanipekun, Shola, Nurudeen Badmos, Sadiq Ismail, Taofeek Otaniyi, Kayode Bankole and Henry Ani.
Also present are Egbe Stephen, Atule Joseph, Tochukwu Michael, Aniekeme Okon, Ayomide Cole, Sikiru Alimi, Afeez Bankole, Leonard Ngenge, and Haddi Haruna, all plying their trade in Nigeria’s domestic leagues.
Nigeria, runners-up in 2018, are placed in Group D and will face defending champions Senegal, Sudan and Congo. Opening matches take place at Amman Stadium, Zanzibar, followed by the final group fixture at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, Dar es Salaam.
Editorial
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We applaud the efficient and purposeful launch of preparations under Eric Chelle. Bringing 21 players into camp early showcases a disciplined approach and solid team management.
We are heartened by the blend of experience and youthful promise in this squad. Staple talents such as Junior Nduka and Sikiru Alimi bring leadership and national-level composure. Meanwhile, emerging stars like Shola, Afeez Bankole and Leonard Ngenge add fresh energy and dynamism.
We believe that the quality of domestic-based football continues to prove its worth. These players, rising from the NPFL crucible, embody determination and hunger. They deserve our full support.
With the remaining 14 players joining soon, the camp’s dynamic will strengthen further. We share Coach Chelle’s aim of building cohesion, tactical clarity and unwavering belief across the squad. This early start in Ikenne sets the tone Nigeria intends to reclaim CHAN glory. We stand confident that this team, well-selected and well-prepared, is primed to challenge and succeed.
Did You Know?
- Sodiq Ismail, one of the early arrivals, earned his first full senior cap for the Super Eagles in May 2024.
- The CHAN tournament is exclusive to players active in Africa’s domestic leagues, and Nigeria were runners-up in 2018.
- The 2025 CHAN will be hosted jointly by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda Nigeria will play across Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam.
- Goalkeeper Kayode Bankole plays for Remo Stars, the same club that hosts the Ikenne camp.
- Junior Nduka captains both Remo Stars and the Super Eagles B squad, reflecting his leadership on and off the pitch.
