8th African Nations Championship: Eagles B Commence Campaign for Continental Glory on Tuesday
Following an inspiring tenth triumph in the Women Africa Cup of Nations, Nigeria is once again primed to pursue continental football supremacy, this time with the men’s home-based national team, the Super Eagles B, at the 8th African Nations Championship (CHAN).
The competition begins in earnest for Nigeria on Tuesday, August 5, with a thrilling opening fixture against defending champions Senegal at the iconic 15,000-capacity Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar.
The African Nations Championship, organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), is a tournament strictly reserved for players actively engaged in their country’s domestic leagues.
First held in 2009, the championship has developed into a major showcase of local talent, and this year’s edition—titled Pamoja 2024—marks a historic first, as three East African nations—Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda—unite to host the event. Their successful joint bid for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations earned them the opportunity to use CHAN 2025 as a continental rehearsal.
Nigeria’s trajectory in CHAN has been marked by a mix of promise and setbacks. Despite being one of the continent’s football powerhouses, Nigeria has made only three prior appearances in CHAN.
The inaugural edition in 2009 saw the Super Eagles miss out after a heartbreaking 2–3 defeat to Ghana, followed by a goalless return leg in Calabar. Subsequent attempts in 2011 also ended in disappointment.
However, 2014 brought renewed hope. Under the guidance of the legendary Stephen Keshi, Nigeria rallied from a 0–3 deficit against Morocco to finish with a bronze medal in South Africa, just a year after lifting the Africa Cup of Nations.
In Rwanda 2016, the team failed to progress past the group stage, but bounced back to reach the final in 2018, eventually falling to Morocco on a cold night in Casablanca. Nigeria did not qualify for the 2021 edition hosted by Cameroon, nor for the 2023 tournament held in Algeria.
Now back with vigor and a revitalized squad, Nigeria enters CHAN 2025 determined to assert its dominance. The Super Eagles B, placed in Group D alongside Senegal, Congo, and Sudan, face a demanding campaign.
Head Coach Eric Sekou Chelle, who also manages the senior national team, has expressed confidence in his 23-man squad following intense preparations—a three-week training camp in Ikenne-Remo and a ten-day session in Zanzibar, including two friendly draws against the Zanzibar National Team.
Chelle’s squad boasts continuity and fresh talent. Several players, including goalkeeper Henry Ozoemena Ani, defenders Sodiq Ismaila and Junior Nduka, midfielder Alex Oyowah, and forwards Anas Yusuf and Sikiru Alimi, featured in the qualifying victory over Ghana.
New additions such as Steven Mayo, Leonard Ngenge, Adedayo Olamilekan, Hadi Haruna, Michael Tochukwu, Temitope Vincent, Shola Adelani, and Godwin Obaje have further strengthened the team’s depth and attacking prowess.
Nigeria’s opening clash against Senegal presents a crucial opportunity to set the tone for the tournament, reduce pressure for subsequent matches, and build momentum. The team aims to secure maximum points and lay the foundation for a successful campaign that could culminate in another historic run.
The Pamoja 2024 tournament officially opened with Tanzania claiming the first three points after a decisive 2–0 win over Burkina Faso in Group B at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
As anticipation builds, Nigerian fans are hopeful that the Super Eagles B will rise to the occasion, channel the spirit of resilience seen in past campaigns, and once again bring continental glory home.
