The home-based Super Eagles kicked off their preparation for the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifiers with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Grassrunners FC in a friendly match held in Ikenne on Sunday.

After a tightly contested first half, substitute Papa Daniel made the difference in the second half by finding the back of the net. The goal secured a morale-boosting win for the team as they continue to build momentum for their crucial encounter against Ghana’s Black Galaxies.

The Super Eagles commenced their training camp in Ikenne on Wednesday, with the focus squarely on fine-tuning strategies and sharpening their match fitness ahead of the qualifiers.

More Friendlies on the Horizon

To ensure they are battle-ready, the home-based squad is slated to play more friendly matches before their first-leg clash with Ghana. This deliberate approach underscores the team’s determination to qualify for the continental showpiece.

Upcoming Clash with Ghana

The first leg of the CHAN qualifier will take place at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday, December 22, promising to be a challenging test for the Super Eagles. The reverse fixture is scheduled for one week later, on December 29, at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.

Opinion: A Promising Start but Bigger Challenges Await

While the win against Grassrunners FC is a positive start, it is only the beginning of a long road ahead. The encounter highlighted areas requiring improvement, particularly in converting chances and maintaining fluidity in attack. Against a formidable opponent like Ghana, such lapses could be costly.

However, the team’s fighting spirit, as demonstrated by Daniel’s decisive strike, is a testament to their readiness to rise to the occasion. With more friendly games in the pipeline, the Super Eagles have a valuable opportunity to iron out their weaknesses and build a cohesive unit capable of delivering results.

The CHAN qualifiers against Ghana are more than just games—they are a chance to reaffirm Nigeria’s dominance in African football. Fans will be hoping for a strong showing, beginning with a solid performance in Accra.