Daniel Ogunmodede has described the Super Eagles B’s qualification for the African Nations Championship (CHAN) after six years as a Yuletide and New Year gift to Nigerians, Completesports.com reports.
The last time Nigeria participated in the tournament exclusively reserved for players based on the African continent, was in 2018 in Morocco, where the team finished as runners-up behind the hosts and eventual winners.
Subsequently, Nigeria missed out on the last two editions, in 2020 after losing to Togo and in 2022 when they were eliminated by Ghana’s Black Galaxies.
Also Read: CHAN 2024Q: How Home Eagles Rated In Win Over Ghana
However, on Saturday at the magnificent Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, the Super Eagles B defeated perennial West African rivals Ghana 3-1 after a goalless first leg in Accra, sealing their ticket to the CHAN finals to be hosted in Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda.
A visibly delighted Ogunmodede could not contain his joy after the final whistle.
“I’m happy for today’s win. I’m happy for the country, Nigeria, and I’m happy for Nigerians’ solidarity. It’s a Yuletide and New Year gift to Nigerians,” the Super B Assistant Coach and Remo Stars Head Coach told reporters during a post-match press conference in Uyo on Saturday night.
“We want our people to be happy, and I’m delighted that we’ve given them something to celebrate during the Yuletide and New Year.
“It’s just a few days to the end of the year. We didn’t want Nigerians to end the year feeling sad. So, I’m very delighted that we’ve given our people something to be happy about as we go into the New Year.”
After the goalless draw in the first leg in Accra last weekend, Nigerians were apprehensive, knowing that a score draw in the return leg would end their hopes of qualifying for the Tanzania/Kenya/Uganda showpiece in February 2025, given CAF’s retention of the away goals rule.
But the Nigerian team scored three goals in a remarkable eight-minute spell, leaving Ghanaian goalkeeper Benjamin Asare helpless.
When asked what changed in his squad after the first leg, Ogunmodede responded that the Ghanaian team had little to offer beyond their historical advantage.
“We studied the Ghanaian team and found there was absolutely nothing special about them except their reliance on history,” he said.
“They came with their strength in history, and we removed ourselves from that narrative. We were determined to break the jinx. We knew what we wanted – victory – and we went straight for it.
“Like I said yesterday, we wanted to be in CHAN, and now here we are.”
The Super Eagles B put on a scintillating display, showcasing the quality of the NPFL to the delight of the fans, NFF President Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, and the Director-General of the National Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade.
Asked whether the team’s performance signalled the arrival of Nigerian indigenous coaches on the big stage, Ogunmodede admitted that local coaches work under challenging conditions but expressed optimism for improvement.
“I’m an advocate for Nigerian coaches, a very serious one at that. But that’s not my focus right now. What matters is the result we achieved today – the outcome of this game,” Ogunmodede remarked.
“The players showed tremendous character in the game. Coaches, players, and the next generation needed this win because our lives and careers depended on it.
“I agree that, as coaches in this country, we lack the basic facilities needed for growth. But we are doing our best to meet the standards of our counterparts abroad.
“I hope people will be patient with local coaches and players so they can excel.”
Also Read: Home-based Eagles Beat Ghana 3-1, Clinch CHAN Ticket
In the CHAN finals scheduled for February 2025, the Super Eagles B will play their matches in Tanzania. With less than two months to go, Ogunmodede promised minimal changes to his squad.
“Going into today’s match against Ghana’s Black Galaxies, I didn’t realise it had been six years since we last qualified for the tournament,” he said.
“Perhaps if I had known, it would have added to the pressure. We were determined to break the Ghanaian jinx, and we did. Don’t forget, we had thorough preparation for the qualifiers.
“We had three phases of preparation: bringing the players into camp, with the last phase starting about three to four weeks ago at the excellent facilities of Remo Stars FC. Hopefully, we’ll have the same quality of preparation for the CHAN finals.
“There’s little we can change because these boys have proven themselves. We will review today’s match video to identify and correct any weaknesses ahead of the tournament.”
By Sab Osuji, in Uyo
3 Comments
U pipo feed well. Wi are proud of u. Kip it up wen Di tonamet stats.
Nice one from local coaches
We are solidly behind move against foreign coaches for super eagles job.
NFF should know that fans know why they always go for white coaches , is not because they look for the best for super eagles but for their selfish dollar sharing deal.
Corrupt NFF!!! we are ok with our best local coaches to handle our senior national team.
Give them the same support you normally give those fake whites foreign coaches they will achieve even more than them because of the passion and the connection with Nigerian people and fans.
WITH THIS DEVELOPMENT, I WILL ADVICE NFF TO ALLOW OGUNMODEDE & FIDELIS TO HANDLE U-23 & U-20 TEAM. BECAUSE THESE ARE THE COACHES THAT HAVE PROVED THEMSELVES IN LOCAL LEAGUE, KNOWN & FAMILIAR WITH LOCAL PLAYERS THAT MERIT INVITATION.
CHAN TEAM, U-20 TEAM & U-23 TEAM ARE VERY IMPORTANT FOR THE GROWTH OF SENIOR NATIONAL TEAM.
QUALIFY FOR COMPETITION LIKE CHAN, ALL AFRICAN GAME, OLYMPIC GAME, U-20 AFCON, U-20 WORLD CUP WILL CREATE MORE AVENUE TO DETECT GOOD PLAYERS FOR SUPER EAGLE. JUST LIKE THE WAY ADEPOJU, UGBADE, AGHAHOWA, YOBO, MIKEL, TAYE-TAIWO, OBASI, KAITA, APAM, NSOFOR, EFE, BABAYARO, KANU, ORUMA, DOSU, OPARAKWU, TARIBO, BABANGIDA, AIYEGBENI, AGALI, ETEBO, STANKEY- UZOENYI SHEHU-ABUBAKAR WERE ALL DETECTED FROM U-20 TEAM, U-23 TEAM & CHAN TEAM.