Excitement and fierce competition are building in the Super Eagles camp as 28 home-based players continue intensive preparations in Ikenne, Ogun State, ahead of the 8th African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2025.
With the final squad list yet to be announced, players are determined to impress Head Coach Eric Chelle and secure a place in the team that will represent Nigeria in the prestigious continental tournament exclusively for domestic league players.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that Chelle unveiled a 35-man provisional list on July 4, drawing from talent across the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL). The CHAN tournament, which kicks off in August, will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
Promise Efoghe, the Super Eagles’ media officer, confirmed the players’ positive mindset and noted the intensity of their preparations. According to him, players are motivated by the high expectations within camp and the limited time left before the final list is released.
Following Wednesday evening’s training session, several players shared their thoughts, highlighting both the pressure and their resolve to seize the opportunity.
Nduka Junior of Remo Stars reflected on the tough competition among teammates. “The trainings so far have been a good test for the players in camp,” he said. “The boys are ready and prepared for the task ahead. Everyone is definitely under pressure, but the coach wants the best out of all the players in camp.”
Rivers United’s Aniekeme Okon emphasized the players’ determination to showcase their technical skills and discipline. “I see this as an opportunity, and from the experience and what I have seen so far, it’s been very good,” he said. “It’s a bit of pressure on us with 28 players in camp in high spirits and high expectations, as everyone is trying to give his best to make the final list. For now, we will keep pushing.”
Leonard Ngenge of Ikorodu City expressed heartfelt gratitude for being part of the setup. “The coach has said that for me, obviously being here is because I deserve it. On a personal note, it’s an amazing step, and I am grateful to God for the opportunity,” he stated. “Obviously, we are all under pressure, but I remain confident and am doing the best I can to put myself on the coach’s radar and make the final list.”
Nigeria, who were CHAN runners-up in 2018, have been drawn into Group D of the 19-nation tournament. They will face reigning champions Senegal, as well as Sudan and Congo. The Super Eagles will play their opening two matches — against Senegal and Sudan — at the Amman Stadium on Zanzibar Island. Their final group game, a potentially decisive fixture, will be played at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
With preparations intensifying and competition for slots heating up, fans are hopeful that Nigeria’s home-based squad will rise to the occasion and push for continental glory once again.
What you should know
The Super Eagles’ home-based players are currently in camp vying for spots on the final squad list for CHAN 2025. Nigeria will compete in Group D against defending champions Senegal, Sudan, and Congo, with matches scheduled in Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam.
