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CAF
a day ago
- Sport
- CAF
Nigeria quietly build belief under Chelle ahead of CHAN 2024 test
As the continent braces for kick-off in the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024, Nigeria's locally-based Super Eagles — better known as the Home Eagles — are quietly putting the final touches on a campaign they believe could end in a historic first title. In Zanzibar, far from the spotlight, Éric Chelle's men have been honing a style built on discipline, collective spirit, and a hunger to rewrite Nigeria's CHAN story. Drawn into Group D alongside defending champions Senegal, Congo, and Sudan, Nigeria face a daunting test. But from inside the camp, a quiet confidence is emerging. Midfielder Harrison Austin, a standout for Nigeria Professional Football League side Ikorodu City, has become something of a barometer for the team's mental and tactical progression. After a goalless draw in a warm-up game against Zanzibar, Austin reflected on the squad's preparations — and his own growth under Chelle. 'As a team, we always talk about the competition and about improving,' Austin said. 'The coach sees our lapses, points them out, and we make corrections — even among ourselves, we hold short meetings to review how to do better. And it shows.' Éric Chelle, appointed to replace the coach who qualified the team, has wasted no time in making his mark. Known for his calm approach and tactical clarity, the Franco-Malian coach has empowered players like Austin to grow in confidence and understanding. 'He gives room to ask questions,' Austin explained. 'Even when I don't immediately understand his instructions, he's patient. That gives me the freedom to learn and improve. It's easier to pick up what he wants.' With the team's tactical identity sharpening and the camaraderie growing stronger, the Home Eagles are turning ambition into belief. Austin, one of the squad's most articulate voices, isn't shy about the group's aspirations. 'I love the spirit of the guys. We've all promised ourselves to give everything to win the trophy. It's our collective target.' Nigeria have come close before — most notably finishing runners-up in 2018 — but the elusive CHAN crown has so far evaded them. Now, with Chelle steering the ship and a fresh generation of hungry players on board, they're ready to mount another charge. Their journey begins in the high-stakes atmosphere of Group D, where they must contend with three-time participants Congo, resurgent Sudan, and current holders Senegal. It's a group of champions and challengers — and Nigeria must prove they belong. With kickoff just days away, Chelle and his players know they won't have the luxury of growing into the tournament. They must start strong, stay disciplined, and keep chasing the dream that has driven them throughout their low-profile but focused preparation. The Home Eagles have one message for their fans back home: they are ready.
CAF
24-07-2025
- Sport
- 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
09-07-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Chelle takes over as Nigeria CHAN coach, names provisional squad
Published: Wednesday, 09 July 2025 In a coaching shake-up just a month before the 2025 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN), the Nigeria Football Federation has handed the reins of the home-based Super Eagles to Eric Sekou Chelle. Chelle's appointment comes after former handler Daniel Ogunmodede guided the team through qualification for the tournament, which will be hosted in August across Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. The Malian-born Chelle, who is the coach of Nigeria's senior national team the Super Eagles, has now been handed the additional task of coaching the national team for home-based players. He now faces the daunting task of reshaping the squad and stamping his tactical identity in record time as Nigeria prepare to face defending champions Senegal, Sudan, and Congo in Group D. This marks Chelle's first assignment in charge of the Super Eagles B side and throws him directly into continental action, with expectations high for a team that finished runners-up at CHAN 2018. The squad entered residential camp this week at the Remo Stars Sports Institute in Ogun State, with Chelle overseeing proceedings for the first time since his appointment. Nigeria's opening two group games against Senegal and Sudan will be played at the Amman Stadium on Zanzibar Island, before they wrap up group play against Congo at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam. The Super Eagles B will be hoping Chelle's late arrival proves galvanising rather than disruptive, as they aim to improve on their past CHAN performances and finally lift the trophy. Provisional Super Eagles B Squad (35 Players) Goalkeepers: Henry Ani (Enyimba) Kayode Bankole (Remo Stars) Nurudeen Badmus (Kwara United) Lawal Mustapha (Shooting Stars) Ebenezer Harcourt (Sporting Lagos) Defenders: Sodiq Ismaila (Remo Stars) Waliu Ojewole (Ikorodu City) Bankole Afeez (Kwara United) Taiwo Abdulrafiu (Rivers United) Uzondu Harrison (Ikorodu City) Junior Nduka (Remo Stars) Mohammed Kabiru (Kwara United) Ngengen Leonard (Ikorodu City) Ifeanyi Onyebuchi (Rangers International) Stephen Manyo Egbe (Rivers United) Midfielders: Adebayo Olamilekan (Remo Stars) Adejoh Ojonugwa (Abia Warriors) Saviour Isaac (Rangers International) Musa Zayyad (El-Kanemi Warriors) Haddi Haruna (Remo Stars) Otaniyi Taofik (Rivers United) Papa Daniel Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes) Adam Aminu (Kano Pillars) Michael Tochukwu (Remo Stars) Forwards: Anas Yusuf (Nasarawa United) Adamu Abubakar (Plateau United) Shola Adelani (Ikorodu City) Sikiru Alimi (Remo Stars) Temitope Vincent (Plateau United) Ijoma Anthony (Abia Warriors) Atule Joseph (Enyimba) Ayomide Cole (Ikorodu City) Sunday Megwo (Abia Warriors) Aniekeme Okon (Rivers United) Godwin Obaje (Rangers International)
