Nigeria’s national football squad composed of home-based players, known as the CHAN Eagles, initiated their training camp on Monday in Ikenne, Ogun State, as they gear up for the forthcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN).
This phase of preparation is critical for the tournament, which exclusively features players from domestic leagues across the African continent.
The training ground at the Remo Stars Sports Institute in Ikenne-Remo is hosting the rigorous preparations.
The inaugural training session, overseen by Head Coach Eric Chelle, commenced at 7:00 PM under floodlights, signalling the team’s commitment to an early and thorough readiness plan.
This initial evening session incorporated tactical drills, various fitness exercises, and team-building activities designed to foster greater cohesion among the players.
Coach Chelle, recognised for his disciplined approach and strategic acumen, dedicated the session to evaluating the players’ physical condition and laying the groundwork for the team’s overarching playing philosophy.
Twenty-one players actively participated in the session, demonstrating notable enthusiasm and dedication.
These athletes, representing various clubs in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), form the foundational core of the squad that will proudly represent Nigeria in the tournament.
The list of players currently in camp includes: Nduka Junior (Remo Stars), Harrison Austin (Ikorodu City), Lawal Mustapha (Shooting Stars), Abdulrafiu Taiwo (Rivers United), Temitope Vincent (Plateau United), Adedayo Olanipekun (Remo Stars), Adelani Shola (Ikorodu City), Nurudeen Badmos (Kwara United), and Sadiq Ismail (Remo Stars).
Others are Taofeek Otaniyi (Rivers United), Kayode Bankole (Remo Stars), Ani Henry (Rivers United), Egbe Stephen (Rivers United), Atule Joseph (Enyimba), Tochukwu Michael (Remo Stars), Aniekeme Okon (Rivers United), Ayomide Cole (Ikorodu City), Sikiru Alimi (Remo Stars), Afeez Bankole (Kwara United), Leonard Ngenge (Ikorodu City), and Hadi Haruna (Remo Stars).
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An additional 14 invited players are slated to join the camp on Tuesday, July 8, completing the provisional squad.
Their arrival, delayed due to logistical arrangements and club commitments, is expected to enhance the team’s overall depth and intensify competition for starting positions.
Nigeria, who were runners-up in the 2018 edition of the CHAN tournament, have been drawn into Group D for the 19-team competition.
Their group stage opponents will be defending champions Senegal, along with Sudan and Congo.
