Super Eagles interim coach Austin Eguavoen has named a 30-man squad to tackle the final leg of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifiers against Ghana.
The eagerly anticipated fixture pits Nigeria against Ghana’s Black Stars B team, the Black Galaxies, with the first leg set for Sunday, 22nd December, at the Accra Sports Stadium.
The return leg will follow on Saturday, 28th December, at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.
The Super Eagles B squad comprises three goalkeepers, eight defenders, seven midfielders, and 12 forwards as they get set for the clash against Ghana.
Before heading to Accra, the team will undergo intensive training in Ikenne, where the final list of 25 players will be selected for the crucial encounter.
Takeaways from the 30-man Super Eagles B list
Remo Stars: NPFL’s Premier talent factory
With five players in the squad, Remo Stars have cemented their status as one of the leading producers of talent in the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL).
The club’s contribution includes goalkeeper Kayode Bankole, midfielder Jide Fatokun, captain Junior Nduka, forward Sikiru Alimi, and Ismail Sodiq, who already boasts a senior Super Eagles cap.
Sikiru Alimi, in particular, brings valuable experience, having featured in the 2020 CHAN qualifiers.
His brace in the second leg against Togo earned Nigeria a 2-0 victory, though they were ultimately eliminated 4-3 on aggregate.
Currently, sitting second on the NPFL table, Remo Stars’ dominance is evident, trailing only Rivers United by three points.
Ahmed Musa’s absence: A move back to Europe or Asia in the works?
Eyebrows were raised when the first two lists for residential camping were released without the inclusion of Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa.
The forward, who has been in outstanding form since joining Kano Pillars after his stint in Turkey, was expected to headline the squad.
While some argued that Musa’s proven pedigree negates the need for him to join the squad, others suggested his omission indicates a future move back to Europe or Asia.
Unlike fellow veteran Rabiu Ali, Musa’s absence suggests that his focus lies beyond the CHAN qualifiers.
Already, sources close to the player told afrik-foot.com that the player has two offers on the table and may likely sign for the unnamed club before the end of December.
NFF’s CHAN desperation clear from Rabiu Ali recall
After missing out on the last two CHAN tournaments, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) appears determined to secure qualification this time around.
A telling sign of this resolve is the recall of veteran midfielder Rabiu Ali.
Ten years after leading Nigeria to a third-place finish at CHAN 2014 in South Africa, Ali’s inclusion sends a strong message about the NFF’s intent.
This decision underscores that the competition is not merely a developmental platform but one of significant prestige for Nigerian football.
Ali’s selection is well-earned, as his 11 goal contributions (eight goals and three assists) in just 15 games this season highlight his enduring quality.
His presence adds a layer of experience and creativity that could prove pivotal in the upcoming qualifiers.
Super Eagles B 30 man list
Goalkeepers: Henry Ozoemena (Enyimba FC); Kayode Bankole (Remo Stars); Nurudeen Badmus (Kwara United)
Defenders: Ismail Sadiq (Remo Stars); Waliu Ojewole (Ikorodu City); Imo Obot (Enyimba FC); Taiwo Abdulrafiu (Rivers United); Junior Nduka (Remo Stars); Victor Collins (Nasarawa United); Ifeanyi Onyebuchi (Rangers International); Steven Mayo (Rivers United)
Midfielders: Jide Fatokun (Remo Stars); Rabiu Ali (Kano Pillars); Saviour Isaac (Rangers International); Musa Zayyad (El-Kanemi Warriors); Emmanuel Ogbole (Kwara United); Papa Daniel Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes); Kazeem Ogunleye (Rangers International)
Forwards: Anas Yusuf (Nasarawa United); Adamu Abubakar (Plateau United); Osy Martins (Lobi Stars); Sikiru Alimi (Remo Stars); Temitope Vincent (Plateau United); Samuel Ogunleye (3SC); Abiam Nelson (Kano Pillars); Meyiwa Oritseweyimi (Bendel Insurance); Ngbemena Ikechukwu (Heartland FC); Sunday Megwo (Abia Warriors); Umar Al-Amin Ibrahim (El-Kanemi Warriors); Adams Aminu Sani (Kano Pillars)
