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By JOE APU
Stand-in Head Coach Daniel Ogunmodede has affirmed that the Super Eagles B team is fully focused on securing a decisive victory over Ghana’s Black Galaxies in the second leg of their African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifier on Saturday.
The match, set to take place at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, will determine which of the two regional rivals’ advances to the CHAN finals scheduled for early 2025.
After a goalless draw in Accra last Sunday, the stakes are high as both teams prepare for the decider. Speaking on Thursday, Ogunmodede emphasized the importance of staying focused, stating, “We are doing everything to avoid distractions. Playing at home doesn’t guarantee anything; our objective is clear – win at all costs to secure our place in East Africa next year.”
The CHAN tournament, which exclusively features players competing in domestic leagues, will take place from February 1 to 28, 2025, across Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda.
Nigeria’s defensive performance in Accra relied on counter-attacks, but Ogunmodede indicated a more aggressive strategy for Saturday’s game. “We will approach the match like our lives depend on it,” he said, noting the team’s disappointment at not scoring an away goal in the first leg.
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The match promises to be an explosive encounter, with historical rivalries and Ghana’s recent failure to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) adding to the intensity. The Black Galaxies, keen to reverse their country’s recent football fortunes, are expected to mount a formidable challenge.
Ghana has historically dominated CHAN clashes with Nigeria, winning three of their six encounters. The most notable victories include a 3-2 win in Accra in 2008 and a 2-0 triumph in 2022.
Even stalemates have often favored the Ghanaians, including their penalty shootout win in the 2014 CHAN semi-final in South Africa.
However, Ogunmodede’s team achieved Nigeria’s best result on Ghanaian soil in the CHAN competition last week and will be aiming to build on that performance to secure victory on home turf.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has appointed Moroccan referee Hamza El Fariq to oversee Saturday’s game, with fellow Moroccans Abdessamad Abertoune, Zakaria Bouchtaoui, and Hicham Temsamani serving as assistants. Prince Kai Saquee from Sierra Leone will act as the match commissioner, while referee assessor duties will be handled by Miboti Moise from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
A win for the Super Eagles B would ensure Nigeria’s participation in the eighth edition of CHAN, a tournament that showcases the best of Africa’s domestic football talent. For now, all eyes are on Uyo as the two fierce rivals prepare for what promises to be an unforgettable showdown.
