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Nigeria launch quest for another continental title at 8th African Nations Championship
By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde
Just days after clinching a historic 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) crown, Nigeria will kick off its pursuit of another continental title as the home-based Super Eagles B face defending champions Senegal on Tuesday in their opening Group D match at the 8th African Nations Championship (CHAN).
The CHAN tournament, exclusively reserved for players plying their trade in domestic leagues across Africa, offers Nigeria another shot at continental glory following mixed results in past editions.
Nigeria has qualified for only three previous tournaments since CHAN’s inception in 2009. After failing to qualify in 2009 and 2011, the team finished third in 2014 under late coach Stephen Keshi, then reached the final in 2018, before failing to progress from the group stage in 2016 and missing out entirely in 2021 and 2023.
The 2024 edition, dubbed “Pamoja 2024”, marks a milestone for African football, as it is co-hosted across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda – a first in CHAN history. It also serves as a test event ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which will be hosted by the same trio of nations.
Nigeria’s Group D Opponents:
Senegal (Cup holders)
Congo
Sudan
The Nigerian squad, coached by Eric Sekou Chelle– also manager of the senior men’s national team – boasts a blend of experience and exciting new talent. Players like Ozoemena Ani, Sodiq Ismaila, Junior Nduka, and Sikiru Alimi return from the squad that defeated Ghana 3-0 on aggregate in the qualifiers. They are joined by newcomers including Steven Mayo, Leonard Ngenge, and Temitope Vincent.
After a three-week camp in Ikenne-Remo and a 10-day training stint in Zanzibar, which included two draws against the Zanzibar national team, Chelle is confident in his team’s readiness.
“There is belief and self-confidence in this squad,” Chelle said. “We’ve worked hard in training and are ready to show what we’re made of against top opposition.”
Nigeria’s opening clash against Senegal will take place at the 15,000-capacity Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar. A win would put Nigeria in strong position before matches against Sudan and Congo.
2024 CHAN Group Overview:
Group A: Kenya, Morocco, Angola, DR Congo, Zambia
Group B: Tanzania, Madagascar, Mauritania, Burkina Faso, Central African Republic
Group C: Uganda, Niger, Guinea, Algeria, South Africa
Group D: Senegal, Congo, Sudan, Nigeria
Host nation Tanzania opened the tournament on Saturday with a commanding 2-0 win over Burkina Faso.
