The Super Eagles B are set to clash with the Zanzibar national team today, Thursday, in their second and final friendly match. This game is a crucial tune-up before the 2024 CHAN tournament, which kicks off on Saturday across Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya, as reported by PUNCH Sports Extra.
The two teams previously met on Monday at the Mao Zedong Stadium, with the match ending in a goalless draw. Despite dominating the first leg, Super Eagles B, under the guidance of national team coach Eric Chelle, were unable to break through Zanzibar’s defense.
Nigeria, who were runners-up in the 2018 CHAN, are placed in Group D of the 19-team tournament. They will be facing tough competition from Cup holders Senegal, Sudan, and Congo.
Coach Chelle expressed satisfaction with the team’s preparations since their arrival in East Africa. He believes facing Zanzibar will adequately prepare them for the upcoming tournament. “Our preparations started two weeks ago in Ikenne, and we did work a lot physically, tactically and technically. We have continued our preparation in Zanzibar, and it is perfect for us. I think it’s a good team with great players, and that is a good way to prepare for the CHAN,” Chelle stated.
Nigeria has yet to win the CHAN tournament, with their best finishes being third place in 2014 in South Africa and runners-up in 2018 after losing to hosts Morocco. Chelle, however, is keeping expectations measured, emphasizing a game-by-game approach. “Our ambition is to take the game one after the other, and we will see what we can do after that,” he remarked.
Chelle is leading Nigeria in this edition of the tournament after they missed the last one. The team secured their spot by defeating long-time rivals Ghana 3–1 on aggregate and will be aiming to surpass their previous best performance.
The Super Eagles B will play their initial two group matches against Senegal and Sudan at the Amman Stadium on the island of Zanzibar. Their final group stage fixture against Congo will take place at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
