By John Essien
Nigeria’s home-based Super Eagles, otherwise known as CHAN Eagles will battle Ghana’s Black Galaxies for a place in the continental showpiece organized for players plying their trade in the country.
Nigeria have faced Ghana across every level in various qualifiers in the last one year and were once again pitched against their arch rivals.
The home-based Super Eagles had been drawn to face the winner of a contest between neighbours Benin Republic and the Black Galaxies.
Ghana defeated the Squirrels 1-0 at the Stade de L’Amitie in Cotonou, to complete a 4-0 aggregate victory against Benin Republic having thrashed them 3-0 in the first leg at the Cape Coast Stadium.
The Super Eagles had made it through to the final CHAN playoffs based on previous performances in the competition. While Ghana on their part have not qualified for the tournament since 2014.
Nigeria’s Coach, Salisu Yusuf, who guided Nigeria to a final appearance in 2018 before losing 4-0 to Morocco, is expected to name his squad in some days’ time.
The home-based Super Eagles will vie to continue from where the U-17, U-20 and the Super Falcons stopped and try to avoid the fate that befell the Super Eagles senior side.
Still remotely nursing the aches of missing out on the 2022 World Cup in Qatar following a 1-1 draw against the Black Stars in Abuja, the home-based Eagles will have the chance to take revenge against Ghana when they square off later this month.
The first leg of the CHAN 2023 Playoffs encounter will come up between the 26th and 28th of August at the Cape Coast Stadium, while the second leg is expected to hold in Abuja at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium.
