Stand-in Head Coach Daniel Ogunmodede has picked ageless warhorse Rabiu Ali, wing-back Sadiq Ishmael, centre-back Stephen Manyo, midfielders Musa Zayyad and Jide Fatokun, and forwards Anas Yusuf and Sikiru Alimi in an 18-man roster for Sunday’s 8^th African Nations Championship qualifying match against Ghana’s Black Galaxies in Accra.

 The gaffer also picked goalkeeper Henry Ozoemena, defender Victor Collins and forward Abubakar Adamu for the must-win two-leg fixture, with the Galaxies being the reason why Nigeria failed to qualify for the championship on two different occasions in the past, namely 2009 and 2023.

The Super Eagles B, with Ogunmodede and Coaches Fidelis Ilechukwu and Olatunji Baruwa in charge, had staggered training sessions over three weeks from the month of October, before a final training camp commenced at the Remo Stars Sports Institute, Ikenne-Remo three weeks ago.

Sunday’s first leg fixture is scheduled for the Accra Sports Stadium, with kick-off set for 4pm Ghana time (5pm in Nigeria), and some kilometres away, both countries’ U17 girls will be battling for the inaugural WAFU B U17 Cup at the Ghana Centre of Excellence in Prampram.

Over the past 10 months, Nigeria have dominated Ghana at international level, starting with the Super Eagles’ 2-1 defeat of the Black Stars in a friendly match in Marrakech, Morocco – a first win at senior level for Nigeria against the West African rivals in 18 years.

In the summer, Nigeria’s U17 boys edged the Black Satellites 3-2 in the third-place match of the WAFU B U17 Championship staged by Ghana, and in October, the Flying Eagles defeated the Black Satellites 3-1 to successfully retain their WAFU B U20 Championship title in Lome, Togo.

Togolese referee Aklesso Gnama will be in charge of Sunday’s encounter at the Accra Sports Stadium, with compatriots Jonathan Ahonto Koffi, Wassiou Tchamolla Ourotou and Kossi Fabrice Senyo in the roles of assistant 1, assistant 2 and fourth official respectively.

Liberian Ivan Gartor Brown will serve as commissioner while Hugues Alain Adjovi from Benin Republic will be the referee assessor.

The second leg will hold at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo on Saturday, 28^th December, with the winner on aggregate to pick a ticket to the 8^th African Nations Championship taking place in Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda, 1^st – 28^th February, 2025.

18 SUPER EAGLES B FOR WAR AGAINST GHANA’S BLACK GALAXIES

Goalkeepers: Henry Ozoemena (Enyimba FC); Kayode Bankole (Remo Stars)

Defenders: Ismail Sadiq (Remo Stars); Waliu Ojetoye (Ikorodu City); Imo Obot (Enyimba FC); Junior Nduka (Remo Stars); Victor Collins (Nasarawa United); Ifeanyi Onyebuchi (Rangers International); Steven Manyo (Rivers United)

Midfielders: Jide Fatokun (Remo Stars); Rabiu Ali (Kano Pillars); Saviour Isaac (Enugu Rangers); Musa Zayyad (El-Kanemi Warriors)

Forwards: Anas Yusuf (Nasarawa United); Adamu Abubakar (Plateau United) Sikiru Alimi (Remo Stars); Emmanuel Ogbole (Kwara United); Papa Daniel Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes)

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.