CHAN 2024: Nigeria’s Home-Based Eagles Confident Ahead of Senegal Clash – Ogunmodede

As anticipation builds for the 2024 edition of the African Nations Championship (CHAN), the head coach of Nigeria’s home-based Super Eagles, Daniel Ogunmodede, has expressed confidence in his team’s readiness to face reigning champions Senegal in their tournament opener.

Nigeria is set to begin their campaign in the CHAN 2024 finals next Tuesday at the Amman Stadium in Zanzibar, where they will square off against Senegal, a formidable side that lifted the trophy in the last edition of the tournament.

In preparation for the high-stakes encounter, the Home Eagles engaged in two friendly matches against Zanzibar’s national side this week. These games were part of their final tune-up sessions ahead of the continental showdown.

Despite acknowledging the quality of Senegal’s squad—led by coach Souleymane Diallo—Ogunmodede remains optimistic about his team’s chances of causing an upset.

“Senegal are the defending champions, and naturally, they’ll want to hold onto their crown,” Ogunmodede stated in an interview with ESPN. “However, we’re prepared to challenge them and give a strong account of ourselves on the pitch.”

This tournament marks a significant return for Nigeria’s home-based squad, who failed to qualify for the past two editions of CHAN. Their most recent appearance was at the 2018 tournament in Morocco, where they impressed many by reaching the final and ultimately finishing in second place.

Now, under the guidance of Ogunmodede, the team is hoping to go one step further by lifting the trophy and reclaiming their status as one of Africa’s top footballing nations.