Super Eagles B target CHAN qualification in decisive Ghana clash
By Olaolu Joseph
Stand-in Head Coach Daniel Ogunmodede has reiterated that the Super Eagles B team is fully focused on securing victory in Saturday’s African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifying decider against Ghana’s Black Galaxies.
Speaking on Thursday, Ogunmodede stressed that the ultimate target is to qualify for the CHAN finals set to take place in East Africa early next year.
“We are doing everything to stay focused by avoiding distractions. Yes, we managed a scoreless draw in the first leg away, but playing at home doesn’t mean we’re taking anything for granted.
“Our objective in Accra was to score an away goal, but that didn’t happen. On Saturday, we’ll approach the game like our lives depend on it. Our watchword is getting the win that will book our spot in the finals,” he said.
The final qualifier is delicately poised following Sunday’s stalemate in Accra. The decider will take place at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, where Nigeria must launch an aggressive attack from the onset to overcome their bitter regional rivals.
This eighth edition of the CHAN tournament, reserved exclusively for players in their respective domestic leagues, will be held in Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda from February 1 to 28, 2025.
Ghana’s dominance in past CHAN clashes against Nigeria adds intensity to Saturday’s match. The Black Galaxies have won three of six previous encounters, with Nigeria securing only one victory.
Ghana triumphed 3-2 in Accra in 2008 and 2-0 in 2022, while also prevailing in penalty shootouts during scoreless draws in 2008 and 2014.
In contrast, Nigeria defended strongly in Accra during the first leg of this qualifier and achieved their best away result against Ghana in CHAN history.
However, the Super Eagles B must deliver a decisive performance in Uyo to secure progression.
Adding further tension, Ghana’s failure to qualify for the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations means the Black Galaxies will be desperate to avoid another setback.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has appointed Moroccan referee Hamza El Fariq to officiate the match, with Abdessamad Abertoune, Zakaria Bouchtaoui, and Hicham Temsamani serving as assistant referees and fourth official.
Prince Kai Saquee from Sierra Leone will serve as match commissioner, while Miboti Moise from the Democratic Republic of Congo is the referee assessor.
With everything on the line, Saturday’s encounter promises to be an explosive contest between two fierce rivals.
