Elegbeleye charges CHAN Eagles to be good ambassadors of NPFL

By Tosin Omojola

Chairman of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye, has congratulated the 30 players called up to camp by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) in preparation for the African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifiers against Ghana.

Head Coach Augustine Eguavoen invited the players as part of preparations to ensure the qualification of the Super Eagles B for next year’s African Nations Championship finals.

The tournament is exclusively for players who compete in their country’s domestic leagues and hold standard contracts. The 2025 championship will be held in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, beginning in February.

Elegbeleye reminded the invited players that they represent the NPFL and must perform at their best to restore Nigeria’s standing in continental football.

“As the best of the NPFL, you are expected to give a stellar account of yourselves, not only by surpassing the qualifiers but also by competing for the title in the finals,” the NPFL Chairman urged the team, which includes veteran Rabiu Ali of Kano Pillars.

Ali, who has scored eight goals this season, is joined by Remo Stars goalkeeper Kayode Bankole, Rivers United defender Steven Mayo, and Abia Warriors’ exciting forward Sunday Megwo.

Other key players include Enyimba goalkeeper Henry Ozoemena, Remo Stars wing-back Ismail Sadiq, Enugu Rangers midfielder Kazeem Ogunleye, and Nasarawa United forward Anas Yusuf.

Victor Collins, the Nasarawa United defender called up for last month’s 2025 AFCON qualifying matches against Benin Republic and Rwanda, and Plateau United’s Adamu Abubakar, have also been invited.

The players are expected to arrive at the Remo Stars Sports Institute in Ikenne-Remo, Ogun State, on Wednesday, 4th December 2024.

The team will train ahead of the first leg of the qualification fixture against Ghana’s Black Stars B, scheduled for the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday, 22nd December. The second leg will take place at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Saturday, 28th December.