The home-based Super Eagles will officially begin preparations for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) next Monday, Soccernet.ng reports.
The team edged past Ghana in December to make a return to the CHAN competition after a six-year absence.
Nigeria secured their place in the tournament with an impressive 3-1 aggregate victory over Ghana’s Black Galaxies, clinched in Uyo last Saturday.
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CHAN 2024, scheduled to run from February 1 to 28, will be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, a unique arrangement aimed at showcasing East African football.
Meanwhile, Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), has expressed his delight at the team’s qualification and issued a rallying call for the Super Eagles to aim for ultimate glory this time.
“They haven’t qualified for the past two editions, so it is heart-warming that they have made it this time,” Dikko said. “Now, we want them to do better than in 2018 when they lost in the final.”
Dikko further urged the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to ensure seamless camping and comprehensive preparation for the team, promising the NSC’s unwavering support.
“We will engage with the NFF to ensure everything needed for the team’s success is provided,” he assured.
The NSC chairman personally rewarded the players with ₦10 million for their victory over Ghana.
Reflecting on the broader impact of CHAN qualification, Dikko emphasised the importance of a vibrant domestic league.
“Pele once said a country’s national team is as good as its league. For us to achieve our goals, the domestic league must be functional,” he stated.
Drawing comparisons with England, he noted:
“England hasn’t won a major trophy since 1966, yet their domestic league is the most viable in the world. This qualification highlights our league’s potential and its role in driving Nigeria’s sports economy.”
Dikko concluded by challenging the CHAN Eagles to take their form back to their clubs, thereby elevating the league’s profile.
“The league is our product, and we must commit to its success. A thriving league will propel us towards realizing our sports economy ambitions.”
Nigeria have never won the African Nations Championships, with the Super Eagles B’s best outing being a second place finish at the 2018 edition.