The Nigerian Football Federation has officially released its 23-man squad for the upcoming 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), with experienced defenders and in-form forwards included in a group that blends youth with home-based talent.
Head coach and selectors have placed faith in a roster composed entirely of domestic-based players, as required by CHAN regulations.
Among the notable names are centre-back Nduka Junior and striker Godwin Obaje, who bring both leadership and attacking edge to the team.
Nigeria have been drawn into Group D, widely considered the tournament’s most challenging pool.
The Super Eagles will face three high-calibre opponents in the group stage: Senegal, Sudan and Congo.
Nigeria’s CHAN 2024 Group D Schedule:
- 5 August, 20:00: Senegal vs Nigeria
- 12 August, 20:00: Sudan vs Nigeria
- 19 August, 20:00: Nigeria vs Congo
The Super Eagles will need to be at their best from the outset, with Senegal – perennial favourites on the continental stage – waiting in the opening fixture.
Progression from the group will demand consistent performances, given the strength and form of the other teams.
The selected squad reflects a balance of defensive solidity, midfield creativity, and attacking options. The goalkeeping department features Henry Ani, Nurudeen Badmus, and Lawal Mustapha, each having impressed in the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) over the past year.
In defence, Sadiq Ismaila, Bankole Afeez, Taiwo Abdulrafiu, and Uzondu Harrison join the experienced Nduka Junior and Ngengen Leonard, while Steven Egbe rounds out the back line with his versatility and pace.
The midfield contingent includes Adedayo Olamilekan, Hadi Haruna, Otaniyi Taofik, Akanni Qudus, Michael Tochukwu, and Alex Oyowah. The selection prioritises balance, with players capable of both protecting the defence and initiating attacking transitions.
Up front, Nigeria will rely on a group of forwards who have shown recent form in domestic competitions. Anas Yusuf, Shola Adelani, Sikiru Alimi, Temitope Vincent, Ijoma Anthony, and the experienced Godwin Obaje have all been included to lead the line and convert the chances created.
Obaje, known for his clinical finishing, and Alimi, who brings a physical presence to the front line, are expected to form a key part of Nigeria’s offensive threat.
The inclusion of youthful options such as Adelani and Vincent also suggests a focus on energy and pressing in the final third.
This edition of the CHAN tournament offers Nigeria an opportunity to improve on past performances and assert their strength among Africa’s top domestic-based squads.
The Super Eagles have yet to lift the trophy, despite consistent appearances and semi-final finishes in previous editions.
With the tournament set to kick off in early August, preparations are in full swing. The squad will now head into its final phase of training, focusing on tactical drills, set pieces, and match fitness before flying out for their group stage campaign.
As the countdown to CHAN 2024 continues, all eyes will be on Group D, where Nigeria face a stern test in their quest for continental success with a team built on the strength of the local league.
🚨 OFFICIEL : La liste du Nigeria 🇳🇬 pour le CHAN 2024. pic.twitter.com/bCei540yEG
— Naija Football 🇳🇬 (@NaijaFootball_) July 23, 2025
