Daniel Ogunmodede, assistant coach of Nigeria's Super Eagles, has expressed strong optimism about the team's chances of qualifying for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), Nigeriasoccernet.com can report.
The confidence stems from a renewed focus and preparations to overcome challenges that hindered Nigeria’s qualification for the previous tournament in Algeria.
Aiming to Avenge Past Defeats Against Ghana
The home-based Super Eagles face Ghana once more in a two-legged qualifier, a team that has been a stumbling block in recent campaigns. Ghana eliminated Nigeria in the last CHAN qualifiers, continuing a trend of competitive dominance over the Super Eagles in regional competitions. However, Ogunmodede remains undeterred, emphasizing that this encounter will be different.
“We are not dwelling on past failures. Our focus is on the present and the future. As giants of African football, it’s essential for us to qualify for CHAN, and we’re fully aware of what’s at stake,” Ogunmodede stated in an interview with the team’s media outlet.
He further acknowledged Ghana's psychological advantage, given their track record. “They might feel confident due to past results, but our team is prepared to rewrite the narrative this time.”
Key Dates and Venues
The first leg of the qualifier is scheduled for Sunday, December 14, at the Accra Sports Stadium, Ghana. A week later, the second leg will be hosted at Nigeria's Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo. Both fixtures are expected to draw significant attention as the rivals battle for a spot in the tournament, which will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
Building Momentum
Ogunmodede and his coaching team have been intensively preparing the squad, emphasizing teamwork, strategy, and mental fortitude. The players have reportedly shown promising commitment during training camps and recent warm-up games.
If Nigeria secures a place at CHAN 2024, it will reinforce their status as one of Africa’s leading footballing nations, and serve as a testament to the team's resilience and Ogunmodede’s leadership alongside head coach José Peseiro.
The outcome of these qualifiers is eagerly awaited as it not only determines Nigeria's CHAN fate but also reflects the progress of the country’s domestic football talent on the international stage.
Oluwayemi Omolagba