Nigeria’s Super Eagles head coach, Daniel Ogunmodede, has expressed his delight following his team’s victory over Ghana in the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) playoffs.
The first leg of the encounter ended in a goalless draw at the Accra Sports Stadium last Sunday.
However, in the return leg at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Saturday, December 28, the Super Eagles B delivered a stunning 3-1 victory over the Black Galaxies.
This win secured Nigeria’s place in the CHAN tournament, which will be hosted jointly by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania next year.
Speaking after the match, Ogunmodede said, “I’m happy for the country, I’m happy for the players. We wanted to make our people happy and so I’m so excited we were able to give our people something to be happy about.”
The coach emphasized the team’s preparation and determination to overcome Ghana, a historically strong opponent.
“We understudied the Ghana team, there was nothing we found out about their strength apart from history. Their strength is history and tried to blindfold ourselves to history and we were just determined to break the yoke.”
He also highlighted key tactical moves that led to the victory.
“They are very technically sound, they play through the channel and they make deliveries. “So they came highline and broke the line in the first half and the second goal came from our strength which is set pieces.
“The third goal was also we broke the line and I think in the second half we quickly and put more men forward,” he added.
The victory was particularly sweet for Nigeria, as it avenged their elimination by Ghana in the previous qualifying edition, which ended in a penalty shootout loss.
The Super Eagles B can now look forward to competing on the continental stage, aiming to make their mark in East Africa next year.