CHAN
Nigeria coach Daniel Ogunmodede speaks on Ghana clash
As the Nigerian national team prepares for the highly anticipated first leg of their African Nations Championship (CHAN) final qualifier against Ghana on Sunday, Coach Daniel Ogunmodede shares his insights with CAFOnline.com.
In this exclusive interview, he discusses the team’s preparations, strategies, and the broader significance of this fixture.
Below is the full Q&A:
CAFOnline.com: How has the team’s preparation been leading up to this crucial two-legged tie against Ghana?
Coach Ogunmodede: Considering the critical nature of this upcoming two-legged tie against Ghana, we have been working diligently and passionately in our preparation.
We are focused on honing our strengths, addressing weaknesses, and strategizing specific tactics tailored to face Ghana’s formidable team.
The players have shown great commitment and dedication during training sessions, and we’re confident we are well-equipped to face the challenge head-on.
CAFOnline.com: What specific strategies are you focusing on to counter Ghana’s strengths?
Coach Ogunmodede: We have been meticulously analyzing Ghana’s gameplay and identifying key areas where they excel.
Though it’s been challenging to gather sufficient information on individual players due to the visibility of their league, we’re devising tactical strategies to capitalize on our strengths while exploiting potential vulnerabilities in Ghana’s approach.
Our team is prepared to adapt dynamically during the match to neutralize their strengths effectively.
CAFOnline.com: How has the inclusion of players from various clubs shaped the dynamics and chemistry of the squad?
Coach Ogunmodede: The inclusion of players from various clubs has positively influenced the squad’s dynamics and chemistry.
It has brought together a diverse group of talented individuals, each contributing unique skill sets and experiences.
This diversity fosters unity, enhances adaptability, and strengthens our collective performance on the field.
CAFOnline.com: Given the intense rivalry between Ghana and Nigeria, how do you manage the pressure and expectations of such a high-stakes game?
Coach Ogunmodede: Managing the pressure and expectations surrounding such a high-stakes gameagainst our intense rivals is a key focus.
We emphasize mental fortitude, maintaining a clear focus on our game plan, and instilling confidence in the players to perform at their best.
Embracing the rivalry as motivation rather than anxiety is central to our approach.
CAFOnline.com: Can you walk us through the process of selecting your final squad for this match?
Coach Ogunmodede: Selecting the final squad has been a challenging process due to the pool of talented players available.
We evaluate players based on form, fitness levels, recent club performances, and tactical suitability.
Positional requirements and team balance are also crucial in ensuring we have the best lineup for success.
CAFOnline.com: Which players have stood out during the build-up to this game, and what do they bring to the team?
Coach Ogunmodede: Several players have stood out for their dedication, skill, and leadership.
Buchi has been exceptional, and Nduka’s leadership qualities are noteworthy.
Papa is another standout. They have set high standards in training, showcasing versatility and inspiring their teammates.
CAFOnline.com: How do you plan to balance the team’s attacking ambitions with defensive stability?
Coach Ogunmodede: Achieving balance is pivotal. We’ve focused on maintaining disciplined defensive shapes while ensuring quick transitions to exploit attacking opportunities.
Our emphasis is on teamwork, effective communication, and versatility to maintain equilibrium on the field.
CAFOnline.com: How has the team adapted to your coaching philosophy, and do you see that reflected in their performances?
Coach Ogunmodede: The team has embraced our coaching philosophy, which prioritizes teamwork, tactical intelligence, and dedication.
We aim to instil discipline, resilience, and creativity in our performances, and this is evident in their training and matches.
CAFOnline.com: The Ghana-Nigeria rivalry is legendary. How do you keep your players focused on the game rather than the history?
Coach Ogunmodede: We emphasize focusing on the present moment, respecting our opponents, and channelling the rivalry into positive motivation.
Effective communication and mental preparation have kept the players focused solely on the game.
CAFOnline.com: What message are you sending to the players about the importance of this match?
Coach Ogunmodede: I remind the players that this match reflects national pride.
It’s not just about qualification—it’s about representing Nigeria with passion, integrity, and determination.
Their performance carries the hopes and dreams of an entire nation.
CAFOnline.com: What role does the first-leg advantage play, and how important is it to secure a win in front of the Ghanaian fans?
Coach Ogunmodede: Playing the first leg away presents a unique challenge, but securing a win would give us a psychological edge and demonstrate our resilience.
It’s crucial to showcase our quality and character to set the tone for the rest of the tie.
CAFOnline.com: What challenges have you faced during preparations, and how have you overcome them?
Coach Ogunmodede: Adapting players to different playing styles and maintaining fitness levels have been challenging.
We’ve addressed this through rigorous training sessions, video analysis, and fostering a strong sense of teamwork.
CAFOnline.com: Ghana has a strong squad. What gives Nigeria the edge in this contest?
Coach Ogunmodede: Our dynamic playing style, depth of talent, and adaptability give us an edge.
The players’ determination and strong work ethic further boost our chances against Ghana.
CAFOnline.com: What would qualification for CHAN mean for Nigerian football?
Coach Ogunmodede: Qualification would be monumental. It offers a platform to showcase local talent, raise the profile of the domestic league, and inspire the next generation of footballers.
CAFOnline.com: How do you personally approach games like these?
Coach Ogunmodede: I approach such games with calm focus and strategic planning.
Leading Nigeria to victory would be a tremendous honour and a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire team.
Head Coach Eric Chelle has released a 35-man provisional squad for Nigeria’s Super Eagles B ahead of the 8th African Nations Championship (CHAN), set to hold next month across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
Among the invited players are team captain Junior Harrison Nduka, Papa Mustapha Daniel, and striker Anas Yusuf. First-choice goalkeeper Henry Ani also made the list, alongside defenders Waliu Ojetoye, Ifeanyi Onyebuchi, Mohammed Kabiru, and Uzondu Harrison.
The midfield ranks are bolstered by the inclusion of Saviour Isaac and Haddi Haruna, while the attacking lineup features Sunday Megwo, Adamu Abubakar, and Godwin Obaje.
Also making the squad are goalkeepers Kayode Bankole and Ebenezer Harcourt, defenders Sodiq Ismaila and Stephen Manyo Egbe, midfielder Adam Aminu, and forwards Atule Joseph and Temitope Vincent.
Nigeria, runners-up in the 2018 edition, are drawn in Group D of the expanded 19-team tournament. They will face defending champions Senegal, as well as Sudan and Congo.
The Super Eagles B are scheduled to play their first two matches—against Senegal and Sudan—at the Amman Stadium in Zanzibar, before traveling to Dar es Salaam to take on Congo at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.
All invited players have been directed to report at the Remo Stars Sports Institute in Ikenne-Remo, Ogun State, on Monday, July 7, with their international passports and valid club licenses.
35 PLAYERS FOR SUPER EAGLES B CAMPING IN IKENNE-REMO
Goalkeepers: Henry Ozoemena Ani (Enyimba FC); Kayode Bankole (Remo
Stars); Nurudeen Badmus (Kwara United); Lawal Mustapha (Shooting Stars);
Ebenezer Harcourt (Sporting Lagos)
Defenders: Sodiq Ismaila (Remo Stars); Waliu Ojewole (Ikorodu City);
Bankole Afeez (Kwara United); Taiwo Abdulrafiu (Rivers United); Uzondu
Harrison (Ikorodu City); Junior Harrison Nduka (Remo Stars); Mohammed
Kabiru (Kwara United); Ngengen Leonard (Ikorodu City); Ifeanyi Onyebuchi
(Rangers International); Steven Mayo Egbe (Rivers United)
Midfielders: Adebayo Olamilekan (Remo Stars); Adejoh Ojonugwa (Abia
Warriors); Saviour Isaac (Rangers International); Musa Zayyad (El-Kanemi
Warriors); Haddi Haruna (Remo Stars); Otaniyi Taofik (Rivers United);
Papa Daniel Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes); Adam Aminu (Kano Pillars);
Michael Tochukwu (Remo Stars)
Forwards: Anas Yusuf (Nasarawa United); Adamu Abubakar (Plateau United);
Shola Adelani (Ikorodu City); Sikiru Alimi (Remo Stars); Temitope
Vincent (Plateau United); Ijoma Anthony (Abia Warriors); Atule Joseph
(Enyimba FC); Ayomide Cole (Ikorodu City); Sunday Megwo (Abia Warriors);
Aniekeme Okon (Rivers United); Godwin Obaje (Rangers International)
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With just over a month to the kick-off of the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN), defending champions Senegal have begun early preparations by opening a two-week residential training camp ahead of the tournament.
The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) confirmed that the camp, which commenced on Monday, June 30, is taking place at the Jules François Bocandé Technical Development Centre in Toubab Dialaw. The training programme will run until July 11 and serves as a key phase in the Teranga Lions A’ team’s build-up to the continental competition.
CHAN 2025, which runs from August 2 to 30, will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. Senegal, drawn in Group D alongside Nigeria, Sudan, and Congo, will play their group matches in Zanzibar.
A total of 28 players have been called up for this initial training phase, with selections drawn largely from standout performers in Senegal’s domestic league. Teungueth FC, reigning champions of Ligue 1, lead the contributions with four players in the squad. Other top clubs including Generation Foot, AS Pikine, Casa Sports, and ASC Jaraaf are also well represented.
According to the FSF, the camp is focused on tactical drills, fitness conditioning, and fostering team chemistry as the West African side seeks to retain the title they won in Algeria in 2023.
The coaching crew will use this period to assess player form and fitness while planning a series of test matches to fine-tune the squad ahead of the final list for the tournament.
The CHAN tournament, staged biennially, is exclusively reserved for players who compete in their respective national leagues. It serves as a key platform for local talent to gain international exposure and plays a vital role in player development across the continent.
Senegal’s early move into camp signals their serious intent to mount a strong title defence in what promises to be a fiercely competitive tournament. Their opening group game against Nigeria is already drawing attention as one of the headline clashes of the group stage.
Below is the full list of 28 players invited to camp:
Marc Phillips Arona Diouf (Teungueth FC), Idrissa Ndiaye (Génération Foot), Mouhamed Sissokho (Amitié FC), Amar Fall (AS Pikine), Elhadji Malick Sembene (Dakar Sacré-Coeur), Seyni Mbaye Ndiaye (US Gorée), Baye Assane Ciss (Teungueth FC), Ousmane Konate (AS Douanes), Daouda Ba (Dakar Sacré-Coeur), Alfred Gomis (US Ouakam), Amadou Bene Coly (AJEL Rufisque), Joseph Layousse Ifra Samb (Teungueth), Issa Kane (Casa Sports), Issaga Kane (ASC Jaraaf), Mbaye Yaya Ly (AS Pikine), Pape Abasse Badji (Génération Foot), Ousseynou Fall Seck (AJEL Rufisque), Insa Boye (Diambars), Libasse Gueye (Teungueth FC), Mangone Ndiaye (AS Pikine), Oumar Ba (US Gorée), Ameth Niang (ASC Jaraaf), Moustapha Fanne (Guédiawaye), Isma Gueye Kouate (Génération Foot), Mapathe Mbodj (AS Kaffrine), Christian Gomis (Essamaye FC), Seydina Madione Mbaye (AJEL Rufisque), Bonaventure Bonito Fonseca (US Ouakam)
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CHAN
CHAN 2024: Nigeria to Play Group Matches in Zanzibar as Tournament Serves as AFCON 2027 Dress Rehearsal
Nigeria’s Super Eagles B team will play their Group B matches of the 8th African Nations Championship (CHAN) in Zanzibar, an island territory of Tanzania, when the competition kicks off from August 2 to 30, 2024.
The island, located off the East African coast, has a population of under two million and is one of three host venues selected for the tournament.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced on Thursday that the CHAN tournament—reserved for players plying their trade in domestic leagues—will serve as a dress rehearsal for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which will be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
Group B, where Nigeria is drawn, includes reigning champions Senegal, Congo, and Sudan. Congo was recently reinstated into the group following the expulsion of Equatorial Guinea by the CAF Appeals Committee.
The opening match of the tournament will be held at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Kampala’s Mandela Stadium in Uganda will host the third and fourth matches, while the final is scheduled for Saturday, August 30, at the Moi International Sports Centre in Nairobi, Kenya.
Nigeria, silver medallists in the 2018 edition and bronze winners in 2014, booked their place at this year’s finals after defeating Ghana 3-1 on aggregate in their qualifying tie last December.
GROUP A: Kenya, Morocco, Angola, DR Congo, Zambia (Nairobi)
GROUP B: Tanzania, Madagascar, Mauritania, Burkina Faso, Central African Republic (Dar es Salaam)
GROUP C: Uganda, Niger, Guinea, South Africa, Algeria (Kampala)
GROUP D: Senegal, Congo, Sudan, Nigeria (Zanzibar)
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