The home-based Eagles can’t afford any slip-ups as the 2025 CHAN qualifiers against Ghana approach
With much to gain from a positive outcome from the two December fixtures, Completesports.com’s AUGUSTINE AKHILOMEN highlights five reasons why the Super Eagles B team must impress and qualify ahead of Ghana.
1. Catch the Attention of Eguavoen
A convincing display and victory over their archrivals, Ghana, in the CHAN qualifier will undoubtedly send a strong message to the Super Eagles’ interim coach, Augustine Eguavoen.
This match gives home-based players a chance to be considered as replacements for senior players in the main Super Eagles squad.
For NPFL players, there is no better opportunity than this to catch Eguavoen’s eye.
2. Build NPFL’s Reputation
The NPFL has faced harsh criticism from both fans and critics due to the players’ inability to qualify for recent CHAN tournaments, despite having a wealth of talent.
It is also worth noting that Nigeria have never won the competition; they lost in the final to Morocco in 2018 and secured third place in 2014.
The 2025 CHAN offers players a chance to rewrite history—first by overcoming Ghana and then by going all the way to lift the trophy. This would certainly enhance the NPFL’s reputation.
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3. Defeat Ghana and Avenge Past Losses
The rivalry between Nigeria and Ghana is storied. Regardless of the competition, it’s always a fierce battle.
Interestingly, Nigeria and Ghana have been paired together for CHAN qualification for the third time, having previously met in the 2009 and 2022 series. Ghana came out on top on both occasions.
However, with Ghanaian football currently lacking confidence, the Home-Based Eagles have a golden opportunity to avenge past defeats and make a bold statement to other CHAN contenders.
4. Create Competition for the Main Super Eagles
Who says NPFL players can’t provide healthy competition within the Super Eagles?
It’s worth noting that the late Stephen Keshi famously selected players from the NPFL, urging Nigerian journalists not to create divisions between home-based and foreign-based professionals.
Nigeria’s last continental triumph in 2013 saw a quick rise of local players who delivered the performances Keshi needed. Sunday Mba became a household name after that tournament, and Godfrey Oboabona was instrumental in defence as Nigeria claimed victory. Keshi united both home and foreign players to create a cohesive team with a shared sense of national duty.
This can also be achieved with current NPFL players if they are properly harnessed. Their performance and result against Ghana could go a long way in convincing Eguavoen of their potential.
5. Seize the Spotlight
Many of the NPFL players invited by Eguavoen may be relatively unknown to football fans in Nigeria. However, they have a chance to make a name for themselves if they can overcome their bitter rivals, Ghana, in the CHAN qualifiers.
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