Super Eagles B Land in Zanzibar, Schedule Friendlies Ahead of CHAN Kickoff

Super Eagles B Land in Zanzibar, Schedule Friendlies Ahead of CHAN Kickoff

By Niyi Busari 

 Nigeria’s home-based national team, the Super Eagles B, arrived in Zanzibar on Thursday to begin the final phase of preparations for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), scheduled to kick off in early August, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The squad, made up exclusively of players from Nigeria’s domestic league, departed from their training camp in Ikenne, Ogun State, on Thursday morning. They flew via Lagos on Ethiopian Airlines and arrived in Zanzibar later that evening.

The team will be in camp on the island from July 25 to 31, during which they will intensify tactical and physical preparations. As part of the training camp, the Super Eagles B are set to play two friendly matches against the Zanzibar national team on July 28 and July 31.

Nigeria has been drawn in Group D of the CHAN 2024 tournament, alongside defending champions Senegal, Sudan, and Congo. The Super Eagles B will open their campaign on Tuesday, August 5, with a highly anticipated clash against Senegal.

The African Nations Championship, unlike the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), is restricted to players who compete in their countries' domestic leagues, offering a vital platform for local talent to gain international exposure.

Nigeria’s best performance in CHAN came in 2018, when they finished as runners-up. The current squad, under the guidance of head coach Salisu Yusuf, will be looking to go one step further and claim the title in 2024.