Kano Pillars midfielder Rabiu Ali, Remo Stars wing-back Sadiq Ismael, Rivers United centre-back Stephen Manyo, and NPFL top scorer Anas Yusuf feature in Nigeria’s 18-man squad for the 2024 CHAN qualifiers against Ghana.
After three weeks of camping in Ikenne, stand-in coach Daniel Ogunmodede selected the quartet alongside 14 others. The squad includes Enyimba goalkeeper Henry Ozoemena and Remo Stars’ Kayode Bankole.
The Super Eagles B arrived in Ghana on Friday ahead of Sunday’s first leg against the Black Galaxies. Defenders Victor Collins (Nasarawa United), Waliu Ojetoye (Ikorodu City), Imo Obot (Enyimba), Junior Nduka (Remo Stars), and Ifeanyi Onyebuchi (Rangers) complete the defensive lineup.
Rabiu Ali will lead the midfield with Jide Fatokun (Remo Stars), Saviour Isaac (Rangers), and Musa Zayyad (El-Kanemi Warriors). NPFL top scorer Yusuf joins attackers Adamu Abubakar (Plateau United), Sikiru Alimi (Remo Stars), Emmanuel Ogbole (Kwara United), and Papa Daniel Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes).
Key absentees include Kazeem Ogunleye (Rangers), Temitope Vincent (Plateau United), Taiwo Abdulrafiu (Rivers United), and Sunday Megwo (Abia Warriors).
During their Ikenne camp, the team won four friendlies, concluding with a 2-1 victory over Remo Stars.
The return leg is scheduled for Saturday, 28 December, at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo. Nigeria must win the tie, as Ghana previously denied them CHAN qualification in 2009 and 2023.
The aggregate winner will advance to the 8th African Nations Championship, set for February 2025 in Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda. Nigeria, yet to win the tournament, finished third in 2014 and were runners-up in 2018.