Several players stood out as the CHAN Eagles dumped mouthy arch-rivals Ghana to qualify since 2018 for the CHAN.
SCORENigeria picks the top five performers over the two-legged final playoffs.
1.Henry Ozoemena
The giant Enyimba goalkeeper justified his selection ahead of the more experienced Kayode Bankole by pulling of a couple of big saves to keep a clean sheet in Ghana, before he also made some vital interventions in Uyo to ensure Nigeria return to CHAN tournament after a six-year absence.
2.Jide Fatokun
Remo Stars defensive midfielder who kept things tidy in front of the back four. He not only broke down attacks, he also helped n the build-up play. He is another sure bet on the flight to the 2024 CHAN a month away.
3.Ifeanyi Onyebuchi
He is the rock of the defence of this home-based Super Eagles. The tank-built Enugu Rangers central defender was one of three players specially mentioned by coach Daniel Ogunmodede as outstanding in training camp, the others were Nduka Junior and Papa Daniel and all three lived up to expectations. He did not put a foot wrong in both legs of this final playoffs. He is big, strong and reliable.
2.Nduka Junior
A born leader, the captain led by example. He scored the team’s second goal and was solid and commanding back in defence both in Ghana and Nigeria. He showed great class by handing the captain’s armband to veteran Rabiu Ali, when the Kano Pillars star made his late entry in Uyo.
1.Papa Daniel
The Niger Tornadoes midfielder was the biggest revelation for the CHAN Eagles over the two legs against Ghana. He confirmed his class in Uyo after he showed glimpses of what is capable of in the first game in Accra, where he was only denied a goal by the post. A sweet left foot, energetic player who is very comfortable on the ball with a good passing range. He will be one of the players to watch out for at the tournament proper in February.
