The Super Eagles B team have intensified preparations at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne ahead of their crucial clash with Ghana later this month.
This marks the third phase of camping for the home-based squad, following earlier sessions organised by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) in Abuja.
Known as the CHAN Eagles, the team will battle Ghana’s Black Galaxies for a ticket to the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN), which will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
Head coach Austin Eguavoen has called up 30 players for this camp, including veteran midfielder Rabiu Ali, whose wealth of experience is expected to guide the youthful squad.
Remo Stars contribute five players to the roster—Ismail Sodiq, Nduka Junior, Kayode Bankole, Sikiru Alimi, and Jide Fatokun.
Other notable inclusions are Niger Tornadoes’ rising star Papa Daniel, Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) top scorer Anas Yusuf of Nasarawa United, Plateau United’s Vincent Temitope, and Abia Warriors forward Sunday Megwo.
Ossy Martins and two others missing as team defeats Grassrunners.
However, the team will be without Lobi Stars striker Ossy Martins, who withdrew due to injury.
Meanwhile, Enyimba’s goalkeeper Ani Ozoemena and left-back Imo Obot are currently focused on their club’s CAF Confederation Cup clash with Zamalek in Uyo.
They are expected to join the national camp after Sunday’s fixture.
In their first test match on Sunday morning, the Super Eagles B defeated Grassrunners Football Club 1-0, with Niger Tornadoes and Flying Eagles forward Papa Daniel converting a late penalty in the 90th minute.
Nigeria seek revenge over Ghana
The upcoming encounter against Ghana is loaded with tension, as the Black Galaxies have twice denied Nigeria CHAN qualification.
Nigeria’s painful memories include a second-half collapse in the inaugural qualifiers in 2009 and a penalty shoot-out heartbreak in Abuja last year.
The first leg of the qualifiers will take place in Accra on Sunday, 22 December, with the decisive return leg set for Saturday, 28 December, at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo.
