Super Eagles B Set Sights On Victory In CHAN Qualifier Against Ghana.
The stand-in Head Coach of Nigeria’s Super Eagles B team, Daniel Ogunmodede, has emphasised the team’s unwavering focus on victory as they prepare to face Ghana’s Black Galaxies in the second leg of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifiers. The crucial match is scheduled for Saturday at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.
Following a goalless draw in Accra last Sunday, the decider is finely balanced, with both regional rivals aiming for a spot in the CHAN finals set to take place in East Africa from 1 to 28 February 2025.
“We are doing everything to stay focused by avoiding any distractions,” Ogunmodede stated. “Yes, we got a scoreless draw in the first leg away and now playing at home, but we are not in any way carried away. On Saturday, we will approach the game like our lives depend on it. Our watchword is getting the win that will qualify us for the African Nations Championship finals.”
The match is expected to be fiercely contested, given the historic rivalry between the two nations. Ghana’s failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) adds further pressure on the Black Galaxies to secure a positive result.
Historically, Ghana has had the upper hand in CHAN encounters, winning two of their six previous meetings, with three matches ending in draws. However, the Super Eagles B team, buoyed by their solid performance in Accra, are determined to rewrite the narrative.
In Accra, Nigeria relied on counter-attacks while maintaining a sturdy defence. However, Saturday’s match will require a more aggressive approach, with the Eagles needing to capitalise on their home advantage and push for goals from the start.
Ghana, on the other hand, will be keen to shake off their recent setbacks and continue their dominance in this rivalry. The Galaxies are expected to bring a high-intensity game as they aim to overcome the disappointment of missing the upcoming AFCON.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has appointed Moroccan referee Hamza El Fariq to officiate the match, with fellow Moroccans Abdessamad Abertoune and Zakaria Bouchtaoui serving as assistants. Prince Kai Saquee of Sierra Leone will act as match commissioner, while Miboti Moise from the Democratic Republic of Congo will oversee refereeing standards as assessor.
The CHAN finals will take place across Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda in February 2025, showcasing talent exclusively from players competing in their national domestic leagues. A victory in Uyo would not only secure Nigeria’s qualification but also bolster confidence ahead of the competition.
As Ogunmodede and his team prepare for the decisive clash, all eyes will be on Uyo this Saturday to witness another thrilling chapter in the storied rivalry between Nigeria and Ghana.
