As the countdown begins for the upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 qualifiers, players from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) are expressing their eagerness to be called up to represent the Super Eagles B team. The qualifiers, set to commence next month, have sparked excitement among local talents who aspire to don the national colors.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) recently announced the new dates for the 2024 CHAN tournament, which will take place from February 1 to February 25, 2025. This championship is specifically designed for African players who are based in their home countries, providing them with a platform to showcase their skills on a continental stage.
Despite the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) yet to finalize the country’s participation in the tournament, mainly due to the absence of a substantive head coach for the Super Eagles B, players remain hopeful and enthusiastic about their chances. Remo Stars captain, Junior Nduka, shared his excitement regarding the potential call-up, stating, “I’m thrilled by the announcement and the prospect of getting a call-up into the Super Eagles B for the CHAN qualifiers coming up next month. It would be an honor to represent our country, and I am committed to giving my all if selected.”
Similarly, Enyimba forward Joseph Atule emphasized how this news has motivated him to enhance his performance in hopes of being selected for the national team. “The announcement boosts my morale and drives me to work harder to ensure I am among the players picked for the CHAN Eagles. I am patiently awaiting the opportunity,” Atule remarked.
Katsina United midfielder Azeez Falolu, who played a pivotal role in his team’s recent victory, also expressed his aspirations. After leading his club to a 2-1 win over Bendel Insurance, Falolu stated, “Seeing the news reminded me that this is a golden opportunity. It would be a tremendous honor to be part of the squad for this important assignment.”
Nigeria’s last appearance in the CHAN tournament was in 2018 when they reached the final but were defeated by Morocco. Since then, they have missed out on participating in both the 2020 and 2022 editions, making the upcoming qualifiers crucial for the team’s future.
As the excitement builds, NPFL players continue to train diligently, hoping that their performances in the league will catch the attention of the national selectors. The upcoming qualifiers represent not only a chance for individual players to shine but also an opportunity for Nigerian football to reclaim its status on the continental stage.
With the qualifiers just around the corner, the players are ready to put their best foot forward, demonstrating their commitment and passion for representing Nigeria at the CHAN. As they await the official call-ups, the anticipation continues to grow among both the players and their supporters.
