Old warhorse Ali, Sodiq, Collins, Alimi headline Super Eagles roster for CHAN qualifier v Ghana

Veteran midfielder Rabiu Ali, 44, and seventeen other players have been selected to represent Nigeria in their 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifier against the Black Galaxies of Ghana.

Stand-in head coach Daniel Ogunmodede made the announcement, after trimming the initial 30-player roster by 12 players. 

Ogunmodede, currently the assistant coach of the Super Eagles, will lead the home-based Super Eagles in this critical tie as he temporarily takes charge for Austin Eguavoen.

The squad, consisting of two goalkeepers, seven defenders, four midfielders, and five forwards, features a blend of experience and youthful energy.

Among the notable names included in the roster are one-cap Super Eagles full-back Ismail Sadiq, Nasarawa United defender Victor Collins, who is also in the squad for the 2025 AFCON qualifier clashes against Benin and Rwanda, veteran Rabiu Ali and Remo Stars marksman Sikiru Alimi. 

Ali, a veteran of the 2014 African Nations Championship, brings invaluable experience to the side. He has been a standout player for Kano Pillars, scoring eight goals in fourteen league appearances.

In midfield, Ali will be joined by Jide Fatokun from Remo Stars, Saviour Isaac from Rangers International, and Musa Zayyad from El-Kanemi Warriors. 

Up front, Anas Yusuf, the current top scorer in the Nigeria Premier Football League with 10 goals in 15 matches, leads the charge. He is joined by the likes of Sikiru Alimi and Emmanuel Ogboloe.

The first leg of the qualifier will take place on Sunday at the Accra Sports Stadium, with a 5 p.m. Nigerian time kick-off. 

The second leg is scheduled for Saturday, December 28, at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.

The winner of the aggregate tie will secure a spot in the 2025 CHAN tournament, set to be held from February 1-28, 2025, across Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda.

Super Eagles squad for CHAN qualifier against Ghana's Black Galaxies

Goalkeepers: Henry Ozoemena (Enyimba FC); Kayode Bankole (Remo Stars)

Defenders: Ismail Sadiq (Remo Stars); Waliu Ojetoye (Ikorodu City); Imo Obot (Enyimba FC); Junior Nduka (Remo Stars); Victor Collins (Nasarawa United); Ifeanyi Onyebuchi (Rangers International); Steven Manyo (Rivers United)

Midfielders: Jide Fatokun (Remo Stars); Rabiu Ali (Kano Pillars); Saviour Isaac (Rangers International); Musa Zayyad (El-Kanemi Warriors)

Forwards: Anas Yusuf (Nasarawa United); Adamu Abubakar (Plateau United) Sikiru Alimi (Remo Stars); Emmanuel Ogbole (Kwara United); Papa Daniel Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes)

Adeyemi Adewale

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