Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, is expected to announce his final 28-man squad for the 2024 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) today, Tuesday, July 22, following two weeks of intensive training in Ikenne, Ogun State.
The announcement is expected as the team rounds off preparations with a final test match this afternoon — the last chance for players to impress and secure a place in the final list for the tournament, which kicks off from August 2 to 30, co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
Chelle initially called up 35 home-based players to the CHAN camp, but the number has gradually reduced after five players became ineligible due to overseas transfers, while one was dropped due to injury.
The ineligible players include:
Papa Daniel Mustapha, Waliu Ojetoye, Savour Isaac, Abubakar Sadiq and Philip Adejo.
Meanwhile, Rangers International defender Ifeanyi Onyebuchi was ruled out due to injury.
Competition Intensifies in Camp
Junior Nduka, the team’s captain during the training session, acknowledged the intense competition for spots:
“Everybody is under pressure, but the coaches definitely want the best among the 35 players,” he said.
Also speaking on the camp atmosphere, Aniekeme Okon, Rivers United forward and former Flying Eagles player, added:
“It puts pressure on us — 35 players being invited. Everyone is giving their best, hoping to be selected. So we keep pushing.”
Nigeria’s CHAN History and Fixtures
Nigeria, runners-up at the 2018 edition, have never lifted the CHAN title. They finished third in 2014 (South Africa) and lost the 2018 final to hosts Morocco.
This year, the Super Eagles B have been drawn in Group D of the 19-team tournament, alongside defending champions Senegal, Sudan, and Congo.
Their group stage schedule is as follows:
Nigeria vs Senegal – Amman Stadium, Zanzibar Nigeria vs Sudan – Amman Stadium, Zanzibar Nigeria vs Congo – Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, Dar es Salaam.
The Nigerian contingent is targeting a historic first CHAN title, with Chelle expected to lead a squad made up of top talents from the domestic league.