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.

Nigeria and Ghana will battle for the ultimate prize in the inaugural WAFU U17 Girls’ Cup on Sunday – incidentally, the same day the home-based senior men clash in Accra in the first leg of the 8^th African Nations Championship qualifying fixture pitting both countries against each other.

On Thursday night, in the second semi-final of the WAFU U17 Girls’ Cup, World Cup quarter-finalists Nigeria defeated their counterparts from Benin Republic 2-0, both goals coming in the second half of the encounter at the Ghana Centre of Excellence in Prampram. Sunday’s final will also take place at the same centre, outside Accra.

Forward Mary Lucky Mkpa scored from the penalty spot in the 70^th minute to put Nigeria in front, eight minutes after gangling striker Janet Akekoromowei had missed a great opportunity to put the Flamingos ahead.

Eight minutes after the opener, Peace Effiong profited from a goalkeeping error to extend Nigeria’s lead, but Akekoromowei’s 84^th minute goal was chalked off by the referee as the forward was judged to have impeded the goalkeeper before scoring.

The Flamingos reached the final having scored 14 goals in three matches, conceding only two, and will start with much confidence against a Ghanaian side that defeated Cote d’Ivoire’s girls 5-0 earlier in the afternoon to reach Sunday’s final.

Ghanaians are putting behind their missing out in Africa Cup of Nations 2025, their first absence in 20 years since Tunisia 2004.

To compensate for the AFCON loss, their attention has shifted to their regional rivals, Nigeria with which Ghana has maintained one of the longest football rivalries in Africa.

Their rivalry dates to 1951 when they officially met for the first time. The two teams will engage in another confrontation on Sunday for a ticket to the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN).

 Ghana’s Black Galaxies’ head coach Mas-Ud Didi Dramani has expressed confidence ahead of his team’s crucial duel against Nigeria, scheduled for Sunday at the Accra Sports Stadium and December 26 in Uyo.

Ghana Guardian reports that Dramani views the encounter with Nigeria as a necessary challenge for his team’s growth, stressing that facing strong opponents is vital for achieving success in football.

“In football, when you want to get to the top, you should be ready to meet the top liners. For me, it was not surprising that we were meeting Nigeria,” he remarked.

He further emphasized the significance of the CHAN tournament in showcasing the talent of locally based players and preparing them for greater opportunities, including potential senior national team call-ups. Dramani noted, “The future of this team is just to show domestically what we are made of and to sell out to these young players that they have the capabilities and qualities to also be in the senior national team.”

As Ghana prepares to face one of the continent’s strongest sides, Dramani remains focused on proving the value of the country’s domestic football and the quality of its local players on the African stage.

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