The CHAN Eagles have been strengthened with new call-ups ahead of their crucial Jollof Derby against Ghana, which is the final playoff for the 2025 African Nations Championship CHAN to be hosted in Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania. The first leg is set to take place between December 20 and 22, 2024, in Ghana, with the return leg scheduled for a week later in Nigeria. The winner over the two legs will qualify for the eighth edition of this tournament, which exclusively features players competing in their domestic leagues.
A 32 man roster has been named for the second phase of training camp. The recent additions include Sunday Megwo, Ayodele Ezekiel, and Ali Ishaku from Abia Warriors. They will join their teammate Innocent Godwin, who was part of the initial roster. Sunday Megwo leads Abia Warriors with four goals this season, while Ayodele Ezekiel was last season’s standout performer, and goalkeeper Ali Ishaku shone in the President Federation Cup.
Other notable call ups include Remo Stars goalkeeper Kayode Bankole, Lobi Stars’ Suur Kumaga and Ossy Martins, and experienced winger Bernard Ovoke. Aniekeme Okon and Ubong Friday of Rivers United, as well as U23 national player Dominion Ohaka of Water FC, have also been invited. Additionally, Kano Pillars will be represented by Abiam Nelson, Aminu Adams, and Sudais Alibaba.
The training camp will be overseen by coaches Fidelis Ikechukwu and Daniel Ogunmodede, with NFF technical director Augustine Eguavoen currently out of the country.
Editorial
The Bet9ja promotion code for October 2024 is YOHAIG. This Bet9ja promo code gives a welcome bonus of up to ₦100,000 on your first deposit. The minimum deposit to bet is ₦100! USE the Bet9ja login signup to get started today.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The CHAN Eagles’ expanded squad ahead of the high stakes clash with Ghana demonstrates Nigeria’s commitment to assembling a strong team capable of overcoming formidable competition. The inclusion of seasoned players and fresh talent from across the NPFL points to a strategic approach aimed at blending experience with youth. This balance could be the key to securing a place in the 2025 CHAN, especially as Ghana presents a significant challenge.
The players called up for this camp represent some of the best in Nigeria’s domestic league, underscoring the NPFL’s role as a breeding ground for national team talent. The decision to integrate top performers, such as the Abia Warriors trio and other standout players, shows the coaching staff’s intent to create a versatile squad equipped to adapt to various match situations.
As the CHAN Eagles prepare for the first leg of the Jollof Derby, the focus will be on developing team cohesion and refining tactics to face their West African rivals. The outcome of these playoffs will not only determine CHAN qualification but also signal the strength of Nigeria’s domestic football development.
Did You Know?
- The African Nations Championship CHAN is distinct from the AFCON as it features only players competing in their home country’s domestic leagues.
- Sunday Megwo is currently the leading scorer for Abia Warriors with four goals this season.
- Dominion Ohaka, called up from Water FC, has prior experience with Nigeria’s U23 national team.
- Augustine Eguavoen, the NFF technical director, is not currently overseeing the training as he is out of the country.
- The CHAN Eagles’ squad includes a mix of seasoned NPFL veterans and promising young talents to boost their competitive edge.
