CHAN Eagles will get victory over Sudan – Elegbeleye

By Tosin Omojola –

Chairman of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), Honourable Gbenga Elegbeleye, has expressed optimism that Nigeria’s Super Eagles Team B will recover from their opening defeat and return to winning ways in the ongoing 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).

The Eagles lost 0-1 to defending champions Senegal in Tuesday’s Group D opener, starting their CHAN campaign on a shaky note. A 75th-minute strike by Gomis handed Senegal the victory.

The loss has raised concerns among Nigerian fans over the team’s ability to progress beyond the group stage, especially with tough fixtures against Sudan and Algeria still to come.

Despite the setback, Elegbeleye remains confident that the team, led by coach Eric Sekou Chelle, can bounce back and qualify from the group. “We may have lost the opening match, but the team was not outplayed,” he said.

He attributed the defeat to a late defensive lapse and believes the players have what it takes to rally and secure victories in the remaining group matches. “I am confident they will win the next games, starting with Sudan on Tuesday,” he added.

Elegbeleye encouraged the players to draw motivation from the narrow defeat and approach the upcoming fixtures with determination and focus.

He noted that setbacks are part of football and urged the team to remain united and disciplined as they push for a place in the knockout stage.

After facing Sudan, Nigeria will play Congo in their final group match as they aim to secure a spot in the next round of the continental competition.