Coach Eguavoen Excited About Player Response Ahead of CHAN Qualifiers Against Ghana

Super Eagles B team coach Augustine Eguavoen has expressed enthusiasm regarding the response from all invited players as they prepare for the 2025 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifying match against Ghana. A total of 35 players were summoned for the crucial fixture, and Eguavoen is impressed by the talent within the squad.

Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Eguavoen highlighted the immense quality in the group, stating, “I am confident and hopeful of qualifying Nigeria ahead of Ghana.” The coach noted that despite a slight shortfall of two players who joined camp later, the team has now been completed for training.

He explained that two players from Plateau United had to leave for club commitments, as part of an agreement with the clubs regarding player availability for the national team. 

“We have quite a huge number of players in camp. I visit league venues often, and my assistant coaches, Fidelis Ilechukwu and Daniel Ogunmodede, have also observed many players in the league,” Eguavoen said.

The coach emphasized that he had consulted with various club coaches to compile a comprehensive list of players, resulting in a cohesive selection for training. He remarked on the impressive technical skills displayed during the team’s first two training sessions, acknowledging, “While we still have a lot of work to do to blend them into one unit, the players have been very impressive.”

Eguavoen is optimistic about having enough time to refine the squad before facing Ghana in December. He noted the challenges posed by the Ghanaian team, stating, “At any category we meet the Ghanaian team, it is always very tough. All we pray is for luck.”

The first leg of the qualifying fixture is scheduled for the weekend of December 20 to 22, with the return leg set for the following week. 

The overall winner will secure a spot in the 2025 CHAN, which will be co-hosted by Kenya, Morocco, and Tanzania, with the finals taking place from February 1 to 28, 2025. Eguavoen is determined to lead his team to a positive result, focusing on hard work and strategic planning in the lead-up to the matches.