Prior to this month’s doubleheader against Ghana in the 2024 CHAN qualifiers, interim coach Austin Eguavoen has invited Rabiu Ali, a midfielder for the Kano Pillars, and 29 other home-based players to the Super Eagles B camp.
Following two previous sessions held in Abuja by the Nigeria Football Federation, this is the third phase of camping for the home-based players.
The 30 players called up for the mission include the 44-year-old Ali, who has eight goals in the 2024–25 NPFL season, Remo Stars goalkeeper Kayode Bankole, Rivers United defender Steven Mayo, Abia Warriors forward Sunday Megwo, and Nigeria Premier League top scorer Anas Yusuf.
On Wednesday, December 4, the players are anticipated to return to camp at Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, according to the NFF.
The qualifications’ first leg will take place in Accra on Sunday, December 22, while the second leg will take place on Saturday, December 28, at Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.
In addition, Remo Stars wing-back Ismail Sadiq, Enugu Rangers midfield star Kazeem Ogunleye, Enyimba FC goalkeeper Henry Ozoemena, and Nasarawa United defender Victor Collins—who was called up for last month’s 2025 AFCON qualifying matches against Rwanda and Benin Republic—are among the invited players.
In February 2025, Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania will host the eighth edition of the continental championship, which is only open to players who are playing in their home leagues.
Ghana has twice previously prevented Nigeria from reaching the Africa Nations Championship finals: in 2009 and 2023.
Nigeria wasted a 2-0 lead in the first half of the Ivory Coast-hosted first qualifiers in Accra, giving up three goals in the second half.
Calabar’s second leg concluded in a scoreless draw. Ghana advanced following a penalty shootout at the MKO Abiola National Stadium in the previous tournament, which Algeria hosted. Ghana won 2-0 at home but lost 2-0 in Abuja.
Full Squad List
Goalkeepers:
Henry Ozoemena (Enyimba FC), Kayode Bankole (Remo Stars), Nurudeen Badmus (Kwara United)
Defenders:
Ismail Sadiq (Remo Stars), Waliu Ojewole (Ikorodu City), Imo Obot (Enyimba FC), Taiwo Abdulrafiu (Rivers United), Junior Nduka (Remo Stars), Victor Collins (Nasarawa United), Ifeanyi Onyebuchi (Rangers International), Steven Mayo (Rivers United)
Midfielders:
Jide Fatokun (Remo Stars), Rabiu Ali (Kano Pillars), Saviour Isaac (Rangers International), Musa Zayyad (El-Kanemi Warriors), Emmanuel Ogbole (Kwara United), Papa Daniel Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes), Kazeem Ogunleye (Rangers International)
Forwards:
Anas Yusuf (Nasarawa United), Adamu Abubakar (Plateau United), Osy Martins (Lobi Stars), Sikiru Alimi (Remo Stars), Temitope Vincent (Plateau United), Samuel Ogunleye (3SC), Abiam Nelson (Kano Pillars), Meyiwa Oritseweyimi (Bendel Insurance), Ngbemena Ikechukwu (Heartland FC), Sunday Megwo (Abia Warriors), Umar Al-Amin Ibrahim (El-Kanemi Warriors), Adams Aminu Sani (Kano Pillars).
