Nigeria’s home-based Super Eagles have been drawn into Group D of the much-anticipated 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), which will be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, Soccernet.ng reports.
The tournament, originally scheduled for February 2025, has been postponed to August to allow host nations to finalize infrastructure preparations.
The draw, conducted on January 15, 2025, at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre in Nairobi, paired Nigeria with defending champions Senegal, Sudan, and Congo.
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The Super Eagles B are making a return to the competition after missing the last two editions and will be eager to improve on their runners-up finish from 2018.
Group D presents a challenging path for Nigeria.
Reigning champions Senegal, who defeated Algeria to claim their maiden CHAN title in 2022, are favourites to top the group.
Meanwhile, Sudan, with a rich CHAN history that includes two third-place finishes in 2011 and 2018, and Congo, who have twice reached the quarterfinals, will also provide stiff competition.
With only the top two teams progressing to the knockout stage, Nigeria face a tough task to advance. However, the Super Eagles B will look to rely on their talent and determination to make a mark on their return to the tournament.
Elsewhere, Group A has been labelled the “Group of Death,” as it features co-host Kenya, two-time winners Morocco, as well as two-time champions DR Congo, Angola, and Zambia.
Group B comprises Tanzania, Madagascar, Mauritania, Burkina Faso, and the Central African Republic.
Group C includes co-host Uganda, Niger, and Guinea, with two slots yet to be filled by wild card qualifiers.
The CHAN tournament, reserved exclusively for players who compete in their country’s domestic leagues, remains a crucial platform for unearthing African talent and showcasing the depth of football on the continent.
As the countdown to August begins, Nigeria’s Super Eagles B will prepare to stake their claim among Africa’s elite and aim for a historic first CHAN title.
