Head coach Eric Chelle believes Nigeria’s Super Eagles B are up for the challenge when they take on West African rivals Senegal on Tuesday.
Nigeria’s long-awaited return to the African Nations Championship (CHAN) begins within the 24 hours with a blockbuster Group D opener against defending champions Senegal.
The two continental giants are set to clash at the 15,000-capacity Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar City, with Nigeria looking to make a bold statement on their return to CHAN after missing the 2020 and 2022 editions.
Despite the loss of several key players, including Papa Daniel, to overseas transfers just days before the tournament, Chelle remains optimistic about Nigeria’s chances.
“Our preparation for this game has been good and we will look to implement everything we have prepared into this match,” the coach said at the pre-match press conference.
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When asked about the significance of facing Senegal, a team that lifted the title in 2022, Chelle avoided emotional framing, instead placing emphasis on quality.
“I don’t think it’s a derby but this is a game between two big countries in Africa. They have a history in football. Senegal have a good generation and a good team,” he noted.
Nigeria, who were bronze medallists in 2014 and runners-up in 2018, will rely on a squad drawn exclusively from the Nigeria Professional Football League.
Familiar names like Sikiru Alimi, Michael Tochukwu, and goalkeeper Ozoemena Ani will be key figures, while young talents such as Leonard Ngenge and Adedayo Olamilekan offer freshness and unpredictability.
Senegal’s preparations have not been without issues, with first-choice goalkeeper Idris Ndiaye ruled out due to injury. Coach Souleymane Diallo has called up Cheikh Lô Ndoye as a late replacement, a move that could test their defensive resilience.
Despite this, the Teranga Lions bring considerable CHAN experience and remain favourites to top the group. Tuesday’s encounter is the first-ever CHAN meeting between Nigeria and Senegal, adding extra intrigue to an already mouth-watering clash.
The other two Group D foes are Sudan and Congo but Chelle is refusing to look too far ahead.
“I don’t wanna talk about Congo or Sudan for now. Our focus is on our first match tomorrow, we wanna take each game as it comes and take it step by step,” he said.
With the tournament co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, and just four teams in Group D, a strong start could be pivotal for both nations.