This is yet another chance for the CHAN Eagles to prove that NPFL stars can hold their own at international level and not continue to be overlooked by even the Super Eagles.
The outcry has been that NPFL stars deserve a better run with the Super Eagles than the occasional call-ups.
However, the players from the domestic league have not done themselves much favour as they have failed to qualify for the last two CHANs.
The home-based Super Eagles reached the final of the 2018 CHAN in Morocco after they finished third in the 2014 edition of the tournament.
Otherwise, they have not featured in the last two editions – 2020 in Cameroon and 2022 in Algeria.
The question then has been – if they cannot compete favourably with fellow players who ply their trade locally, how do they stand a chance at full international level dominated by pros who play in Europe?
This month, they have a chance to set the records straight when they battle arch-rivals Ghana in a final playoff for 2025 CHAN.
The Black Galaxy of Ghana have proved to be stumbling block to their Nigerian counterparts in this competition.
They stopped Nigeria from reaching the Africa Nations Championship finals in 2009 and 2023.
In the qualifiers for the inaugural edition hosted by Cote d’Ivoire, Nigeria took a 2-0 first-half lead in the opening leg in Accra, only to concede three goals in the second half.
The return leg in Calabar ended 0-0.
In the qualifiers for the last edition hosted by Algeria, Ghana won 2-0 at home and lost 0-2 in Abuja, but prevailed after a penalty shootout at the MKO Abiola National Stadium.
The CHAN Eagles have prepared for the latest instalment of the Jollof Derby by setting up two training camps in Abuja last month to run the rule on the best players to fly the country’s flag at this level.
A final 30-man squad that will open training camp tomorrow in Ikenne ahead of the first leg of the playoffs in Ghana on December 22 showed many deserving call-ups.
Kano Pillars durable midfielder Rabiu Ali ‘Pele’ has been recalled after he first featured at the 2014 CHAN in South Africa.
He also played at the 2018 edition of the competition.
At 44, he is currently the second leading scorer in the NPFL with eight goals.
His coach at Pillars, Usman Abdallah, said ‘Pele’ has shone in a free role.
Last month, defender Victor Collins was already rewarded for his stellar performances on the left side of Nasarawa United defence with an invitation to the Super Eagles for 2025 AFCON qualifiers against Benin and Rwanda.
Kayode Bankole was No 1 choice in goal last year when the CHAN Eagles failed to reach the tournament proper.
His five-star displays for title-chasing Remo Stars have handed him a second chance for the home stars to redeem themselves against Ghana on their way to shining at the CHAN.
In midfield, Emmanuel Ogbole (Kwara United), Papa Daniel (Niger Tornadoes) and Kazeem Ogunleye (Enugu Rangers) have held their own this season.
Anas Yusuf is the leading scorer in the NPFL with 10 goals for Nasarawa United this term, while former Flying Eagles striker Sikiru Alimi from Remo Stars and Ossy Martins of Lobi Stars have been consistent in front of goal in recent seasons.
The quality and experience in the squad have given coach Augustine Eguavoen the confidence that the team will go past Ghana and then shine at the 2025 CHAN in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania in February.
“We will qualify and do well at the CHAN,” he declared.
The problem is that the Nigerian team don’t study the philosophy of how to beat Ghanaian team . Most time it end in score draw or a lone goal .
The Ghanian blood run fastest in their veins wen they are paired against a Nigerian team . Not that they are better, as we all can see as provened by their non appearance in next afcon. But because of the fear of dominance . But this is wen most Nigerian team go to sleep and eventually lost the game .
Conclusion, the first leg determine who wil eventually qualify. Reason the Nigerian team must be careful in the first leg .
Coming into the second leg in uyo could be a stale game . The Ghanian team can hold the back to end the game . So the first leg is wer to do something if the eagles want to go to chan.