Super Eagles caretaker coach Augustine Eguavoen is on the verge of naming his final 25-man squad for Nigeria’s highly anticipated African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifier against Ghana. Following rigorous training sessions that evaluated 70 domestic league players, Eguavoen has narrowed down his selection as Nigeria gears up for a challenging showdown with their West African rivals.
After two phases of assessment camps in Abuja, the chosen players will enter a focused training camp, preparing to face Ghana in a two-leg qualifier that will determine Nigeria’s place in the 2025 CHAN. The home-based Eagles are set to travel to Ghana for the first leg, scheduled between December 20 and 22, with the return fixture taking place in Abuja a week later. This matchup holds added significance, as Ghana previously dashed Nigeria’s hopes for CHAN qualification in the last edition.
Eguavoen’s squad selection process was comprehensive, assessing players from across Nigeria’s domestic leagues, with hopes that the final 25 will possess the skill, chemistry, and resilience required to secure a CHAN berth. The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) has confirmed that after the Super Eagles conclude their AFCON qualifiers against Benin and Rwanda, the CHAN squad will commence intensive preparations.
Nigeria’s Quest for CHAN Redemption
CHAN, a tournament exclusively for players in domestic leagues, has been a stage where Nigeria seeks to showcase local talent on the continental level. Failing to qualify for the last edition remains a sore spot, and Eguavoen’s mission to lead the home Eagles to victory is fueled by a desire for redemption.
Supporters and analysts are eager to see how the squad, which includes standout players from the Nigeria Premier Football League, will fare against Ghana’s Black Galaxies, known for their physicality and skill. With CHAN serving as a critical opportunity for local players to shine internationally, this qualifier has sparked national excitement and anticipation.
