Rivers United target and Remo Stars striker Sikiru Alimi has significantly boosted his chances of leading the CHAN Eagles’ attack against Ghana in the 2025 CHAN playoff, following a spectacular hat-trick performance in a test game against NLO side Emmydinho. The CHAN Eagles emerged victorious with an impressive 5-0 win, with Alimi’s trio of goals being the highlight of the match.
The test game, which featured a strong CHAN Eagles lineup including veteran midfielder Rabiu Ali, Jide Fatokun, Imoh Obot, and Isaac Saviour, provided valuable insight into the team’s preparations for the upcoming playoff against Ghana. Alimi’s hat-trick, combined with goals from Samuel Ayanride and Vincent Temitope, demonstrated the team’s attacking prowess and ability to score goals.
With the CHAN Eagles set to face Ghana in the playoff on December 22, followed by the reverse tie on December 28 in Uyo, Alimi’s impressive performance has undoubtedly given the team’s coaching staff a selection headache. As the home-based Eagles look to secure a spot in the 2025 CHAN tournament, Alimi’s form will be crucial in determining the team’s success.
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The stage is set for a thrilling showdown between the Super Eagles and Ghana in the CHAN play-off, with the first leg scheduled to take place on December 22 and the second leg on December 28 in Nigeria. The winner of this two-legged tie will secure a coveted spot in the 2024 African Nations Championship, which will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania from February 1 to February 28 next year.
The Super Eagles will be seeking revenge against Ghana, who eliminated them from the 2022 African Nations Championship after a penalty shootout decided the tie following a 2-2 aggregate result. This time around, the Nigerian team will be led by experienced coach Austin Eguavoen, who will be assisted by Daniel Ogunmodede and Fidelis Ilechukwu.
Eguavoen, who successfully guided the Super Eagles to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, will now aim to replicate this success with the CHAN Eagles, a team comprising only players based in Nigeria. The CHAN Eagles will be looking to make a strong statement in the play-off against Ghana, and Eguavoen’s experience and tactical acumen will be crucial in determining the team’s success.
The Super Eagles B will continue their preparation in anticipation of their visit to the 40,000-capacity Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday, 22nd December, before hosting the Black Galaxies at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, on Saturday, 28th December.
