The stage is set for the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifiers, with some of Africa’s finest domestic players vying for a coveted spot in the tournament. The upcoming CHAN will be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
One of the most anticipated matchups in the final round is the fierce “Jollof Derby” between Ghana and Nigeria, two arch-rivals with a rich footballing history. The clash is not just about pride, but about a place at next year’s CHAN, where the best domestic players on the continent will compete. For both countries, the stakes couldn’t be higher, with each nation eager to secure a spot in the tournament.
Ghana’s Black Galaxies, under the guidance of Coach Didi Dramani, are preparing for the high-stakes encounter with Nigeria. Having been in intense training at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram, Dramani expressed confidence in his team’s ability to handle the pressure. In an interview with Supersport Blitz, the Ghana coach outlined their tactical approach to the game. “We are working on putting together a team, building the process, and ensuring cohesion in our style of play. With effort, energy, and tactical adaptability, we believe we can overcome any challenge,” Dramani said. “We are playing against one of the best countries in African football, but Ghana is equally a quality side. The chances are bright, and that’s what we are working towards.”
The first leg of this highly anticipated playoff will take place at the Accra Sports Stadium on December 22, 2024, with the return leg scheduled for December 28, 2024, at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Nigeria.
On the Nigerian side, Super Eagles B assistant coach Daniel Ogunmodede has emphasized his team’s motivation and focus for the task ahead. Having undergone rigorous training sessions, including a final camp at the Remo Stars Sports Institute in Ikenne-Remo, Ogunmodede expressed his belief that Nigeria’s team is well-prepared to take on their fierce rivals. “Managing the pressure and expectations surrounding such a high-stakes game is key,” Ogunmodede told CAFonline. “We emphasize mental fortitude and focus on executing our game plan. We want our players to embrace the rivalry as motivation rather than anxiety.”
For Nigeria, securing qualification would not only be a footballing triumph but also an opportunity to showcase local talent and boost the profile of the domestic league. “Qualification would be monumental,” Ogunmodede added. “It offers a platform to raise the profile of domestic football and inspire the next generation of footballers.”
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 (Rangers International); 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)
Squad List for Ghana’s Black Galaxies
The CHAN qualifiers are exclusively for players who feature in their respective domestic leagues, making this a vital stage for emerging talents to showcase their abilities.
As the qualification race heats up, the final round features several other thrilling encounters, including:
Friday, 20 December 2024
Guinea 4-1 Guinea-Bissau
Saturday, 21 December 2024
Burundi vs Uganda
Lesotho vs Angola
Equatorial Guinea vs Congo
Mozambique vs Zambia
Eswatini vs Madagascar
Chad vs DR Congo
Sunday, 22 December 2024
South Sudan vs Rwanda
Central African Republic vs Cameroon
Ethiopia vs Sudan
Ghana vs Nigeria
Ivory Coast vs Burkina Faso
Liberia vs Senegal
Togo vs Niger
Mauritania vs Mali
With all eyes on the final qualifying matches, Africa’s finest domestic players are ready to battle it out for a place in East Africa.