The CHAN Eagles will return to the African Nations Championship for the first time since 2018.
Nigeria’s best performances in the tournament so far are a bronze medal in 2014 and a silver medal in 2018.
Now, the team is hoping to bring the trophy home — just like the Super Falcons, who recently won the African Cup of Nations.
The tournament will take place from 1 to 28 February 2025 in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. With CAF increasing the financial price, this edition is expected to be the biggest.
The winner of the tournament will receive $3.5 million, while the runner-up will take home $1.2 million and the third-placed team will earn $700,000, and fourth place will get $600,000.
Quarter-finalists will each receive $450,000, third-placed teams will receive $300,000, and those finishing fourth and fifth will each get $200,000 as participation money.
With seven months to go until the tournament, the NFF has already arranged two friendly matches against Zanzibar as part of Nigeria’s preparations.
The first game ended in a goalless draw, and both teams will face each other again on Thursday.
Nigeria is in Group D alongside Senegal, Congo, and Sudan. The CHAN Eagles will begin their campaign against the holders Senegal on the 5th of August.
There are three players expected to stand out in the CHAN team, their names are as follows:
Nduka Junior Harrison – He is the captain of the team. The 21-year-old plays as a center back for Remo Stars. Nduka captained Remo Stars to the Nigerian league title last season.
He was called up for the Unity Cup friendly against Jamaica and Ghana but didn’t play a single minute. Nduka can also be deployed as a left back.
Sadiq Ismaila – Currently on the books of Remo Stars, he is a player that has been praised for his attacking ability as a right back but has also been scrutinized for his lack of defensive instincts. His attacking output makes up for his defensive weaknesses.
Sadiq played the full 90 minutes in both matches against Ghana and Jamaica in the Unity Cup. He assisted the winning goal against Ghana in the semi-final.
Henry Ozoemena – The 24-year-old is expected to be the starting goalkeeper for the CHAN Eagles. He currently plays for Enyimba. Henry is a good shot-stopper with experience on the African continent.
He featured for Enyimba in the CAF Confederation Cup last season. His ability to keep the ball out of the net will be crucial in the tournament.
