Chelle Finalizes Squad As Home Eagles Jet To Zanzibar

The home-based Super Eagles will depart Lagos on Thursday for Zanzibar to round off their preparations ahead of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), as anticipation builds over the unveiling of the final 23-man squad by head coach Eric Chelle.

The team has spent the past two weeks in Ikenne, Ogun State, undergoing rigorous training and participating in tune-up matches to fine-tune tactics and boost team chemistry.

Their form during this period has been promising, with the Home Eagles securing victories over Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) sides Remo Stars, Ojodu City, and Ikorodu City — a morale boost ahead of the continental challenge.

Sources within the camp say Chelle has been closely monitoring player performances, and a final squad list is expected to be announced just before the team’s departure from the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.

Nigeria has been drawn into Group D of the CHAN 2024 tournament, a challenging pool that includes defending champions Senegal, as well as Sudan and Congo.

The Home Eagles will kick off their campaign at the Amman Stadium in Zanzibar, where they face Senegal and Sudan, before concluding their group stage action at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam against Congo.

With only the top teams advancing to the knockout rounds, Nigeria will need a strong start and consistent performances to stand a chance at reclaiming their status as CHAN contenders, following previous near misses in the competition.

The tournament, exclusively for players featuring in domestic leagues, offers a platform for NPFL talents to shine on the continental stage, and Coach Chelle will be banking on their hunger and cohesion to drive Nigeria’s campaign.

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