Chairman of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), Otunba Gbenga Elegbeleye, has thrown his weight behind the home-based Super Eagles, popularly known as the CHAN Eagles, urging them to stay focused and fight back with renewed determination ahead of their crucial clash against Sudan.
The team suffered a 1-0 setback in their opening Group match against reigning champions Senegal, with a 75th-minute strike from Gomis proving the difference. However, Elegbeleye remains optimistic, insisting the defeat was not a true reflection of the team’s potential.
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“We may have lost the opening match but the team was not outplayed,” said Elegbeleye. “A late defensive error cost us the match and I am confident that they will rally to win their next games starting with Sudan on Tuesday.”
He encouraged the players, all of whom ply their trade in Nigeria’s domestic league, to use the narrow loss as motivation to push harder in the remaining group fixtures and beyond.
“The loss should serve as a tonic to fire them up. I believe in their ability, and so should every Nigerian,” he added.
Nigeria’s CHAN Eagles, comprised entirely of NPFL talents, are set to face Sudan next, before rounding off their group campaign against Congo. The CHAN (African Nations Championship) is exclusive to players active in their home country’s domestic leagues, making the tournament a vital showcase for local talent.
With everything still to play for in the group, all eyes will be on the CHAN Eagles to deliver a strong response and reignite their qualification hopes.
