Rabiu Ali has exclusively told Completesports.com of his delight at returning to the Super Eagles B team, expressing hope that Augustine Eguavoen’s squad qualifies for the African Nations Championship (CHAN 2024) finals, slated for Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda in February 2025.
The inspirational Kano Pillars midfielder was part of the late Stephen Keshi’s Super Eagles B side that won a bronze medal in Cape Town, South Africa, in 2014. Four years later, Ali featured in Salisu Yusuf’s squad that claimed the silver medal after a 4-0 loss to hosts Morocco in the final on 4 February 2018 at the Stade Mohammed V, Casablanca.
Having already won CHAN silver and bronze medals, Ali now aims for the ultimate gold but insists that securing the qualification ticket is the immediate priority.
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“I’m grateful to Almighty Allah for giving me the opportunity to be part of the Super Eagles B team again,” Ali told Completesports.com during an exclusive interview after the Home Eagles’ training session on Thursday night at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.
“It’s the dream of every player to wear the national team colours, but unfortunately, not everyone gets the chance. That’s why I’m so grateful to Allah for this call-up.
“This will be my third time in the tournament finals if we qualify. Of course, I’m praying for us to beat Ghana on Saturday. The ticket is the first objective. With the quality of players in this team, as you’ve seen in training, I believe we can beat Ghana and secure qualification.”
Ali acknowledged the longstanding rivalry between Nigeria and Ghana but expressed confidence in the Super Eagles B team’s ability to deliver a win.
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“The coaches have worked hard on this team, and it’s our duty to respond with a win. We know it won’t be easy. The rivalry between Nigeria and Ghana is fierce at every level, but we’re determined to make Nigerians proud on Saturday,” Ali stated”
Asked about the significance of victory over Ghana for his career, Ali highlighted its potential to secure his place in the CHAN finals for the third time and possibly cap his journey with the gold medal.
“For me, winning the trophy next year would be monumental. I’ve already won the bronze in 2014 and the silver in 2018. It would be a crowning glory for my career if Allah blesses us with the gold medal in 2025,” Ali concluded.
By Sab Osuji, in Uyo
