Nigeria’s Super Eagles B team secured a triumphant victory over Ghana to book their place at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), with head coach Daniel Ogunmodede describing the achievement as a special holiday gift to Nigerians.
After a six-year hiatus, the Super Eagles B return to CHAN, a tournament exclusively for home-based players from across Africa. Their last appearance was in 2018, where they finished as runners-up to Morocco. Subsequent tournaments proved challenging, with Nigeria missing out in 2020 after losing to Togo and being eliminated by Ghana’s Black Galaxies in 2022.
This time, however, the narrative was different. Following a goalless first-leg encounter in Accra, the Super Eagles B delivered a stellar performance on home soil, defeating Ghana 3-1 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo. The decisive win secured their spot in the CHAN finals, set to take place across Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda.
An elated Ogunmodede couldn’t hide his joy after the match, praising his players and acknowledging the significance of the victory for the nation.
“I’m happy for today’s win. I’m happy for the country, Nigeria, and I’m happy for Nigerians’ solidarity,” the Super Eagles B Assistant Coach and Remo Stars Head Coach expressed during a post-match press conference.
Describing the victory as a morale booster during the festive season, Ogunmodede added, “It’s a Yuletide and New Year gift to Nigerians. We want our people to be happy, and I’m delighted that we’ve given them something to celebrate during the Yuletide and New Year.
“It’s just a few days to the end of the year. We didn’t want Nigerians to end the year feeling sad. So, I’m very delighted that we’ve given our people something to be happy about as we go into the New Year.”
The victory not only ends Nigeria’s CHAN drought but also reinforces their determination to make a strong impression in the 2024 tournament, carrying the hopes and dreams of their nation with them.
