Players in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) are eagerly anticipating potential call-ups to the Super Eagles B squad ahead of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 qualifiers, which kick off next month, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
This comes after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced new dates for the 2024 CHAN tournament, scheduled to take place from February 1 to 25, 2025. The competition is reserved exclusively for African footballers playing in their home countries.
Despite the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) yet to confirm the country’s participation due to the lack of a substantive coach for the Super Eagles B, NPFL players remain hopeful about representing Nigeria on the continental stage.
Speaking to PUNCH Sports Extra, Remo Stars captain Junior Nduka expressed his excitement over the prospect of a call-up.
“I’m excited by the announcement and the prospect of getting a call-up into the Super Eagles B for the CHAN qualifiers coming up next month,” Nduka said. “I will be glad if I make the list to represent our country, and it’s not just about being on the list but to represent the country well with my all.”
Enyimba forward Joseph Atule also shared his enthusiasm, noting that the announcement has motivated him to work even harder.
“The news boosts my morale to keep working very hard to be among the players that will be selected for the CHAN Eagles. I’m patiently waiting for the opportunity,” Atule said.
Katsina United midfielder Azeez Falolu, fresh off powering his team to a 2-1 victory over Bendel Insurance on Sunday, also views the potential call-up as a golden opportunity.
“I saw the news and I knew it was a golden opportunity. It will be an honour to be among the players for that assignment,” Falolu remarked.
Nigeria last featured in the CHAN tournament in 2018, where they reached the final but were defeated by Morocco. However, the Super Eagles B has missed out on the last two editions in 2020 and 2022, leaving fans and players eager for a return to the tournament.
With the qualifiers fast approaching, all eyes are on the NFF to finalize preparations, including appointing a coach and confirming the country’s participation, as NPFL players eagerly await their chance to don the national team colors and make their mark on the African stage.
About The Author
