The Super Eagles B team, led by head coach Dan Ogunmodede, will battle the Black Galaxies of Ghana in a decisive second-leg clash of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) final qualifying round on Saturday at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.
With the aggregate scoreline poised at 0-0 after a hard-fought draw in Accra, the stakes are high as Nigeria seeks to secure a return to CHAN for the first time since 2018.
In the first leg held in Accra, the Super Eagles B showcased defensive resilience to keep the Black Galaxies at bay.
While Ghana dominated possession, Nigeria carved out a few notable chances, including a left-footed effort from Niger Tornadoes forward Papa Daniel that rattled the post.
Despite the lack of goals, the result marked Nigeria’s best defensive performance on Ghanaian soil in CHAN qualification history.
Nigeria coach Daniel Ogunmodede has bolstered his squad for the return leg, with five reinforcements joining the camp in Uyo.
Badmus Gbadamosi (Kwara United), Temitope Vincent (Plateau United), Kazeem Ogunleye (Rangers International), Megwo Sunday (Abia Warriors), and Samuel Ayanrinde (Shooting Stars) have been added to the roster to provide depth and fresh options.
The team has been training intensively at the practice pitch of the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, with a focus on maintaining concentration and fine-tuning their tactical approach.
Nigeria coach Ogunmodede talks tough
Speaking ahead of the match, Ogunmodede stressed the importance of staying focused and not underestimating the task at hand.
“We are doing everything to stay focused by avoiding any distractions,” he said.
“Our objective was to score an away goal in Accra, but that did not happen. On Saturday, we will approach the game like our lives depend on it.”
The eighth edition of the African Nations Championship, exclusively for players competing in their domestic leagues, is set to take place from 1st–28th February 2025 across Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda.
For Nigeria, qualifying for this tournament would be a significant boost for local football development and a platform to showcase the NPFL’s finest talents.
Nigeria’s Probable Starting XI
