As Nigeria readies itself for the crucial final round of qualifiers for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), defender Victor Collins has stressed that the team’s sole priority is securing a spot in the tournament.
The Super Eagles’ local side will face Ghana’s Black Galaxies in a two-legged match that could determine their participation in the continental competition next year.
The first leg of the qualifier will take place in Accra on December 21, with the return fixture scheduled for December 27 in Nigeria.
Collins, who plays for Nasarawa United in the Nigeria Professional Football League, emphasized that the team is fully focused on one goal: to qualify for CHAN 2024.
Speaking to Brila.net, Collins made it clear that the past absences from the tournament have only intensified the team’s resolve to succeed this time around.
The most important thing we are focusing on is the qualification of the team, because it is very important.
Since 2018, we have missed two editions of the tournament and we do not want to find ourselves in this situation again.
We just want to qualify,” he stated.
The Nigerian side has been working tirelessly in preparations, aware of the significance of the upcoming fixtures.
Missing out on the previous two editions of the tournament has left a mark on the team, and Collins emphasized the need to avoid repeating that scenario.
For the players, particularly those like Collins who have been part of the team for some time, qualifying for the 2024 tournament is seen as an essential goal to restore the nation’s standing in African football.
The Super Eagles have a strong track record in CHAN, having previously qualified for and competed in the competition.
However, recent setbacks have cast doubt on their ability to consistently secure a place in the event, making the stakes for this qualification campaign even higher.
Collins, a veteran of the Nigerian domestic league, expressed confidence in the team’s preparation, citing the hard work and determination shown by every player as they gear up for the final qualification challenge.
With both legs of the tie set to be highly competitive, Nigeria’s focus remains unwavering: securing a place in the 2024 tournament, where they hope to once again make an impact on the continental stage.
As the date for the first leg draws near, Collins and his teammates will look to build on their preparations and deliver the result needed to book their spot in the tournament, while avoiding the disappointment of missing out once again.
