As the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) finally kicks off in East Africa, all eyes turn to Zanzibar where Nigeria’s home-based Eagles are set to battle reigning champions Senegal in what promises to be a pulsating Group D opener.
Here’s everything you need to know before kick-off on Tuesday as compiled by footynaija.com.
1. CHAN 2024 is a Tournament Like No Other
This year’s CHAN is the eighth edition of the tournament designed exclusively for players who ply their trade in their respective national leagues. What sets this edition apart is its three-nation hosting format — Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. It is the first time the tournament will be co-hosted across multiple countries.
2. Nigeria Are Back After Missing Two Editions
Nigeria did not qualify for the last two CHAN tournaments, in 2020 and 2022. Their last appearance came in 2018, where they reached the final but fell to Morocco. This is Nigeria’s fourth appearance overall after previous outings in 2014, 2016, and 2018.
3. Senegal Are Defending Champions
Senegal come into the tournament as titleholders, having won the 2022 edition. This is their fourth CHAN appearance as well, but unlike Nigeria, they arrive with the confidence of recent continental success and the pressure to defend their crown.
4. A CHAN Debut Clash Between Nigeria and Senegal
Remarkably, despite both countries’ rich football history, this will be the first time Nigeria and Senegal face each other at CHAN. Their tournament schedules have never aligned—when one qualified, the other didn’t.
5. Group D Is the Group of Death
Nigeria are in Group D, the only four-team group in the tournament. Alongside them are champions Senegal, and African heavyweights Congo and Sudan. Every point will be vital in this tightly contested group.
6. Eric Chelle Leads Both Super Eagles A and B
Nigeria’s CHAN squad is managed by Eric Sekou Chelle, who also oversees the main Super Eagles team. Appointed in January, Chelle has brought discipline and structure to the squad, supported by Daniel Ogunmodede and Fidelis Ilechukwu.
7. Homegrown Talent on Display
All 24 players in Nigeria’s squad are drawn from the NPFL. Standout names include goalkeeper Ozoemena Ani, defenders Leonard Ngenge and Junior Nduka, midfielders Michael Tochukwu and Haruna Hadi, and forward Sikiru Alimi.
8. Nigeria’s CHAN History Has Been a Rollercoaster
Nigeria’s CHAN journey has included a bronze medal in 2014 under Stephen Keshi and a silver medal in 2018. But it has also featured early exit in 2016 and qualification failures. The hope is that 2024 signals a return to prominence.
9. Likely Formation: Classic 4-4-2 Diamond
Chelle is expected to line up in a 4-4-2 diamond with Ani in goal, Ismail and Abdulrafiu as fullbacks, and a midfield anchored by Michael Tochukwu. Up front, Anthony Ijoma and Sikiru Alimi will be looking to do the damage.
10. Matchday Details You Should Know
Venue: Amaan Stadium, Zanzibar City
Date: Tuesday, August 5
Time: 8pm local time
This match could set the tone for Nigeria’s campaign, with fixtures against Sudan and Congo to follow.