
Nigeria's home-based stars declare readiness for CHAN battle
Nigeria's home-based players have expressed confidence and determination as they continue preparations for the upcoming 2024 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN), which kicks off on 2 August across Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
Head coach Eric Chelle's squad is currently in camp in Ikenne, with 28 players vying for a spot in the final list.
The Home Eagles will begin their Group D campaign against reigning champions Senegal on Tuesday, 7 August at the Amman Stadium in Zanzibar.
They will also face Sudan and Congo in a challenging pool.
Among those eyeing a place in the squad is Rangers forward Godwin Obaje, who says the team has bonded well during the training camp and are focused on the task ahead.
'All of us are like brothers, we know ourselves from the different clubs. It's normal, meeting ourselves here,' Obaje told Super Eagles Media.
'I'm looking forward to the tournament. I'm prepared, and we need to give our best. You know Nigeria is one of the best countries in Africa. We are preparing very well.'
His enthusiasm is shared by Haruna Hadi, who was instrumental in Remo Stars' title-winning season.
The midfielder sees CHAN as a platform to launch his international career.
'I know what I can give. I'm determined, focused, and ready to give my all to the team,' Hadi said.
'It has been my dream to participate in the CHAN and play for the Super Eagles. This is like a dream come true for me—a stepping stone to the next level.'
Kabiru Mohammed of Kwara United praised Chelle's coaching style, describing it as intense and demanding.
'He loves aggressive football, and training under him has been intense. He likes his players to press whenever they are not with the ball,' the midfielder noted.
With the tournament exclusively reserved for players active in their domestic leagues, Nigeria will be looking to better their past performances and challenge for the title when the 8th edition of CHAN gets underway.
The tournament runs until 30 August.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


CAF
5 hours ago
- CAF
Remo Stars dominate as Chelle names final Nigeria squad for CHAN 2024
Published: Thursday, 24 July 2025 Nine players from Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) champions Remo Stars have made the final 23-man squad for the 2024 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN), as head coach Eric Chelle finalised his selection ahead of the tournament. Chelle's squad, dominated by the domestic champions, blends youth and experience, with key figures such as team captain Junior Harrison Nduka, Godwin Obaje, and Sikiru Alimi expected to play influential roles. Also included are goalkeeper Ozoemena Ani, defenders Stephen Mayo and Sodiq Ismaila, midfielders Hadi Haruna and Alex Oyowah, and forwards Ijoma Anthony and Anas Yusuf, the NPFL's top scorer. After several weeks of preparation at the Remo Stars Sports Institute in Ogun State, the squad departed Nigeria on Thursday night bound for Zanzibar. A second-phase training camp will run in Zanzibar from 25 to 31 July, providing final tune-ups ahead of the tournament. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has also lined up two warm-up matches against the Zanzibar on 28 and 31 July, as Chelle's side intensifies preparations for their CHAN opener. Nigeria is drawn into Group D, alongside defending champions Senegal, Sudan, and Congo. Head coach, Eric Chelle, has named a 23-man squad to represent the Super Eagles at #CHAN2024 Let's go, Naija! 🦅#SoarSuperEagles #CHAN2024 — 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) July 23, 2025 The first two group matches — against Senegal and Sudan — will be played at the Amman Stadium in Zanzibar, with the final group fixture against Congo scheduled for the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The Super Eagles B, who finished as runners-up in 2018 and claimed bronze in 2014, are chasing their first-ever CHAN title. With a confident blend of technical quality and competitive edge, expectations are high as Nigeria aims to go one step further. The 2024 CHAN, which will run from 2–30 August, will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, featuring 19 teams and providing a platform exclusively for players based in domestic leagues across Africa. Final Super Eagles B Squad – TotalEnergies CHAN 2024 Goalkeepers: Henry Ozoemena Ani (Enyimba FC); Nurudeen Badmus (Kwara United); Lawal Mustapha (Shooting Stars) Defenders: Sodiq Ismaila (Remo Stars); Bankole Afeez (Kwara United); Taiwo Abdulrafiu (Rivers United); Uzondu Harrison (Ikorodu City); Junior Harrison Nduka (Remo Stars); Ngengen Leonard (Ikorodu City); Steven Mayo Egbe (Rivers United) Midfielders: Adedayo Olamilekan (Remo Stars); Hadi Haruna (Remo Stars); Otaniyi Taofik (Rivers United); Akanni Qudus (Remo Stars); Michael Tochukwu (Remo Stars); Alex Oyowah (Remo Stars) Forwards: Anas Yusuf (Nasarawa United); Shola Adelani (Ikorodu City); Sikiru Alimi (Remo Stars); Temitope Vincent (Plateau United); Ijoma Anthony (Abia Warriors); Godwin Obaje (Rangers International); Jabbar Malik (Remo Stars)


CAF
5 hours ago
- CAF
McCarthy unveils final Kenya squad for TotalEnergies CHAN 2024
Kenya head coach Benni McCarthy has named his final 25-man squad for the upcoming TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024, which kicks off in less than two weeks. The Harambee Stars have been in camp for the past fortnight, with McCarthy trimming the group from an initial 30 players. He also made several late call-ups after the first week of training, ensuring his side is well-prepared ahead of the continental tournament, which is reserved exclusively for players active in domestic leagues. Among the key inclusions is striker Masoud Juma, who recently returned to the local league after a spell abroad. Juma is expected to lead Kenya's frontline during the tournament and will be a central figure in the team's attacking efforts. Captain Aboud Omar, goalkeeper Byrne Omondi, defenders Alphonce Omija, Sylvester Owino, and Daniel Sakari, as well as midfielders Alpha Onyango and Austin Odhiambo, bring valuable experience from previous senior national team appearances. A notable inclusion is 18-year-old Austin Odongo, who plays for Shabana FC in the Kenyan Premier League. A late addition to the squad, Odongo is the youngest member of the team and is poised to make his senior international debut. Teenage defender Manzur Suleiman, 19, who was part of Kenya's Rising Stars squad at the TotalEnergies U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), also makes the cut and adds youthful energy to the squad's defensive line. Kenya will open their CHAN 2024 campaign against Democratic Republic of Congo on August 3 at the Moi Sports Centre Kasarani, with home support expected to boost the Harambee Stars' ambitions. Harambee Stars – Final 25-Man Squad for TotalEnergies CHAN 2024 Goalkeepers: Faruk Shikhalo, Byrne Omondi, Sebastian Wekesa Defenders: Siraj Mohammed, Manzur Suleiman, Pamba Swaleh, Aboud Omar, Alphonce Omija, Sylvester Owino, Mike Kibwage, Daniel Sakari, Lewis Bandi, Kevin Okumu Midfielders: Brian Musa, Alpha Onyango, Austin Odhiambo, Ben Stanley, Marvin Nabwire Forwards: Mohammed Bajaber, Boniface Muchiri, David Sakwa, Ryan Ogam, Masoud Juma, Austin Odongo, Felix Oluoch


CAF
a day ago
- CAF
Ten days to go: Tanzania ready to make CHAN history
Tanzania will be in the spotlight this August as co-hosts of the biggest-ever TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN), alongside neighbours Kenya and Uganda. The East African nation sees this tournament not just as a celebration of African football but as a springboard for transforming its domestic game. With ten days to go, Taifa Stars CHAN head coach Hemed 'Morocco' Suleiman is preparing his team to compete in front of their home crowd. For the experienced tactician, CHAN represents far more than a competition — it is a proving ground for home-based players and a litmus test for Tanzania's football progress. In this exclusive interview with the coach talks about the significance of hosting CHAN, his expectations for the tournament, the strength of his squad, and his long-term vision for Tanzanian football. Q&A with Coach Hemed 'Morocco' Suleiman Q: Coach Hemed, what does it mean for Tanzania to co-host the biggest-ever CHAN tournament? Hosting CHAN alongside Kenya and Uganda is a historic moment for Tanzanian football. It's a powerful platform to showcase our local talent to a continental and global audience. The visibility this brings to the efforts being made domestically — especially by clubs like Simba, Yanga, and Azam — is massive. This tournament has already driven investment in infrastructure and development programs, which will have lasting benefits. It inspires our young players and gives them something tangible to dream about. More than a tournament, CHAN is a catalyst for long-term growth — improving facilities, increasing media attention, and raising public interest. It also gives our coaches and support staff valuable experience. Hosting reflects confidence in Tanzania's footballing project, and we take that responsibility seriously. Q: Your group features emerging teams like Burkina Faso, Mauritania, Central African Republic and Madagascar. How do you rate your opponents? We have great respect for all the teams in our group, including the Burkina Faso, Mauritania, Central African Republic and Madagascar. These are sides full of talented players and good tactical organization. In modern football, there's no such thing as an easy game, especially in CHAN where surprises are common. We've studied their recent performances and know they bring energy and elegance to their play. Our focus is on preparing thoroughly and treating every opponent with equal seriousness. Each match will demand full concentration and discipline. While we trust in our abilities, we know nothing will come easy. It's a competitive group and we're preparing accordingly. Consistency and focus will be key. Q: What is your main objective at this CHAN — short-term success or long-term development? Our primary objective is to be competitive and progress as far as possible in this tournament. But equally important is building a strong foundation for the future. CHAN is unique in that it highlights domestic-based players and helps us assess talent for long-term inclusion in the national team. We are balancing the pursuit of results with strategic development. Players from clubs like Simba and Yanga have already shown they can compete at the highest level in CAF competitions. CHAN is their chance to prove themselves for the national team. Reaching the knockout stage would be a great achievement, but identifying players who can become regular Taifa Stars is just as valuable. Q: How prepared are your players physically and mentally for the competition? Our players have come through a long and demanding domestic season. The Tanzanian Premier League is highly competitive, and our clubs' participation in CAF tournaments has built a strong base of fitness and toughness. Right now, it's about maintaining that level and ensuring freshness heading into the tournament. Mentally, Tanzanian players are known for their resilience and focus. That spirit is present in this squad. We've had to manage tight schedules, travel demands, and expectations, and that's prepared us for this CHAN. We've also implemented support systems for mental recovery. This is a team built on character and belief — and those will be our biggest strengths. Q: Which areas of your squad do you feel are the strongest going into CHAN? I believe we have a balanced squad, but our defensive organization stands out. We have an experienced and solid backline that understands the demands of high-level competition. In midfield, there's a good mix of energy, vision, and discipline, allowing us to control the tempo. Our attack is still developing its chemistry, but we've seen promising moments. Leadership within the group is also a major asset — several players bring maturity and professionalism. Of course, football is dynamic and strengths on paper must be proven on the pitch. We've worked hard on transitions and set pieces, but ultimately, our collective spirit is our greatest strength. Q: How has hosting helped improve your infrastructure and preparation time? Hosting has accelerated improvements in infrastructure and logistics. We've had access to better training pitches, upgraded stadiums, and enhanced medical and fitness equipment. Local authorities and the federation have supported us with travel, accommodation, and dietary planning. Early coordination with clubs ensured player availability, and we've had more time to build team cohesion and implement tactical plans. This level of preparation sets a new standard and reflects our serious intent. Success begins with proper planning, and we believe we're on the right track. Q: What's your assessment of the talent coming from the Tanzanian Premier League? The Tanzanian Premier League continues to produce exciting talent, and the standard has improved significantly. Clubs like Simba, Yanga, and Azam are setting benchmarks in training, professionalism, and tactical quality. That directly benefits the national team, especially in a tournament like CHAN, which is reserved for local players. We're seeing more young players with strong technical and physical attributes, and some are already attracting interest abroad. Our scouting teams follow the league closely, and we're impressed by the hunger and discipline of several emerging stars. There's still room for improvement in youth development and coaching education, but the direction is very positive. Q: How have fans in Dar es Salaam responded to Tanzania co-hosting CHAN? The response from fans in Dar es Salaam has been overwhelmingly positive and deeply personal. There's a strong sense of pride in hosting a tournament of this stature. The city has embraced the event with enthusiasm, and interest in our training sessions is growing. The support from clubs like Simba and Yanga, even putting aside their rivalry to back the national team, has been special. You can feel the buzz — people are talking about football everywhere. And of course, we're not forgetting Zanzibar. Many players in this team come from Zanzibar, and we want to make both Mainland and Zanzibar proud. Q: Do you believe Tanzania can better its past CHAN performances? Absolutely. We believe this is our best chance yet. Tanzania has qualified for CHAN three times — in 2009, 2011, and 2020 — but we've never progressed beyond the group stage. Each tournament has taught us valuable lessons. This time, as hosts, we benefit from home support and better preparation. Our top clubs Yanga and Simba are regularly competing in continental competitions, and this squad is more experienced, organized, and mentally tough than before. We're not taking anything for granted, but we believe this team has the quality to make history. Our aim is to go further than ever and make the nation proud. Q: What is your long-term vision for this group of local-based players post-CHAN? Our long-term vision is to give these players a platform to attract international opportunities and begin shaping a competitive squad for AFCON 2027, which we're also proud to host. CHAN is a valuable window for local players to perform in front of scouts, and we fully expect some to gain interest from clubs abroad. That kind of exposure is vital for their careers and for the international reputation of Tanzanian football. At the same time, CHAN is part of our broader plan. Players who perform well here will form the backbone of our future team. We're focused on consistency, professionalism, and building a squad that will be ready to compete when AFCON 2027 comes to Tanzania.