Super Eagles interim head coach, Augustine Eguavoen, has expressed confidence in the potential of the home-based national team, describing the ongoing African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifiers as a golden opportunity for players to showcase their talent and vie for spots in the senior national team.
The Super Eagles B team, following a goalless draw against Ghana in the first leg, will face the Black Galaxies again on Saturday at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.
A win in this decisive clash will secure Nigeria’s place in the 2025 CHAN tournament, a competition exclusively for players based in domestic leagues.
The Super Eagles B team will arrive Uyo today and begin preparation for the CHAN qualification 2nd leg clash against Ghana on December 28.
Nigeria will host Ghana on December 28, 2024 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo. First leg ended 0-0 in Accra. pic.twitter.com/DlBT4mkB1w
— Nsidibe Akpan (@nsidibeakpan23) December 24, 2024
Speaking during a Christmas special interview on Sports Salsa (Kennis 104.1FM/Kennisfm.com) with host Mix Master Dr. Mitchell Obi, Eguavoen highlighted the significance of the CHAN platform.
“It is an opportunity to showcase our league,” Eguavoen remarked. “Like [Daniel] Ogunmodede and [Fidelis] Illechukwu said when we chatted, this is also a chance for some of the boys to break into the senior national team.”
Eguavoen acknowledged the challenges in transitioning home-based players into the senior team due to the packed international schedule and the high-stakes nature of recent matches.
“We’re looking for that opportunity to give them a chance to play for the senior national team,” he explained. “But that hasn’t really come because the games are so close, and the boys in Europe join just two or three days before a game. All the matches we’ve had so far are delicate, so risks couldn’t be taken.”
Despite these constraints, the coach expressed optimism that the CHAN qualifiers could serve as a stepping stone for domestic league players to prove their mettle.
“With CHAN, they can show what they’re capable of. This is a massive opportunity for them to earn a call-up to the senior team—maybe four or five of them. I am confident they won’t take this opportunity lightly,” he said.
The Super Eagles B team will aim to capitalize on the home advantage in Uyo as they seek to seal their place in the prestigious CHAN tournament.
READ MORE:Super Eagles B coach eyes CHAN glory against Ghana
Victory in the second-leg clash would not only secure their qualification but also open doors for the next generation of NPFL stars to make their mark on the international stage.