CHAN: Daniel Ogunmodede invites Sodiq Ismail, Nduka Junior, Rabiu Ali, 23 others for camping in Ikenne

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Stand-in Head Coach of Nigeria men’s national Team B, Daniel Ogunmodede, has called up captain Nduka Harrison Junior and Sodiq Ismail, who is Europe-bound as part of 26 players to begin closed-camping exercise at the Remo Stars Sports Institute, Ikenne-Remo.

Goalkeeper Henry Ozoemena, defender Ifeanyi Onyebuchi, midfielder Saviour Isaac, and forward Sikiru Alimi are on the list.

Ageless Rabiu Ali also made the roster of players set to hit camp, which will commence on Monday, 6th January, ahead of the 8th African Nations Championship (CHAN) finals.

Goalkeeper Kayode Bankole, defenders Imo Obot and Stephen Manyo, midfielders Musa Zayyad, and Papa Daniel Mustapha, and forwards Adamu Abubakar and Emmanuel Ogbole have also been invited.

The Super Eagles B, for the first time in the qualification series, bumped Ghana’s Black Galaxies to reach the final tournament, after a 3-1 win in Uyo last week that followed a scoreless first leg in Accra six days earlier.

Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda, who have been selected to jointly host the 36th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations in 2027, have been handed the opportunity to test-run their facilities and operational efficiency with the African Nations Championship finals, scheduled for 1st – 28th February.

The 8th African Nations Championship will feature 18 countries, viz joint-hosts Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda, Nigeria, Morocco, Guinea, Senegal, Mauritania, Burkina Faso, Central African Republic, Niger Republic, Congo, Sudan, Rwanda, Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia, Angola and Madagascar.

This year’s tournament will be Nigeria’s fourth appearance in the competition.

They had a third-place finish during their maiden appearance in 2014 under Late coach Stephen Keshi.

In 2016, the team bowed out in the group stage under Coach Sunday Oliseh before reaching the final in 2018, losing to host Morocco.

26 EAGLES FOR CAMPING IN IKENNE-REMO

Goalkeepers: Henry Ozoemena (Enyimba FC); Kayode Bankole (Remo Stars); Badmus Gbadamosi (Kwara United)

Defenders: Sadiq Ismail (Remo Stars); Waliu Ojetoye (Ikorodu City); Imo Obot (Enyimba FC); Taiwo Abdulrafiu (Rivers United); Nduka Harrison Junior (Remo Stars); Victor Collins (Nasarawa United); Ifeanyi Onyebuchi (Rangers International); Steven Manyo (Rivers United); Abiam Nelson (Kano Pillars); Afeez Bankole (Smart FC)

Midfielders: Jide Fatokun (Remo Stars); Rabiu Ali (Kano Pillars); Saviour Isaac (Rangers International); Musa Zayyad (El-Kanemi Warriors); Papa Daniel Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes); Kazeem Ogunleye (Rangers International)

Forwards: Anas Yusuf (Nasarawa United); Emmanuel Ogbole (Kwara United); Adamu Abubakar (Plateau United)); Sikiru Alimi (Remo Stars); Temitope Vincent (Plateau United); Samuel Ayanrinde (3SC); Sunday Megwo (Abia Warriors)