2025 CHAN: 5 standout players to watch in Nigeria’s Super Eagles B Team

As Nigeria’s Super Eagles B team, popularly known as the CHAN Eagles, gear up for the 2025 African Nations Championship– CHAN in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, all eyes are on a talented crop of home-based stars ready to shine on the continental stage. Under the guidance of head coach Eric Chelle, the 23-man squad, trimmed from a provisional list of 35, blends experience and youth, with players set to launch their careers internationally. Here are five standout players who could define Nigeria’s quest for a first-ever CHAN title.

Anthony Ijoma (Abia Warriors)

Anthony Ijoma, a forward for Abia Warriors, is the squad’s leading marksman, having netted 12 goals in the NPFL last season. His scoring prowess carried into CHAN preparations, where he found the back of the net in nearly every test game, including a crucial strike in a 3-1 friendly win over Ikorodu City. Ijoma’s clinical finishing and knack for positioning make him a constant threat. He got that killer instinct as seen in the last NPFL echoing fans’ excitement about his potential to lead Nigeria’s attack. With Group D opponents like Senegal and Congo looming, Ijoma’s goals could be the key to unlocking defenses.

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Mustapha Lawal (Shooting Stars)

Mustapha Lawal of Shooting Stars has emerged as the CHAN Eagles’ go-to forward, stepping up as the first-choice striker under Chelle’s system. His blend of pace, physicality, and composure in front of goal has made him a standout in camp. Lawal’s ability to hold up play and link with midfielders like Jide Fatokun adds versatility to Nigeria’s attack. In a recent 5-1 friendly rout of D12 FC, Lawal’s movement off the ball created space for teammates, earning praise from assistant coach Hadi Taboubi. Fans on social media are already tipping him to “steal the show” in Zanzibar’s Amman Stadium.

Jide Fatokun (Remo Stars)

Remo Stars midfielder Jide Fatokun earned his call-up to the main Super Eagles squad after a commanding performance in the CHAN qualifiers against Ghana, where he controlled the midfield in a 3-1 second-leg win. His composure, vision, and ability to dictate tempo make him the engine of the CHAN Eagles. Fatokun’s standout display in a 2-1 friendly victory over Remo Stars showcased his knack for breaking up play and launching attacks, signaling his potential to dominate Group D battles against Sudan and Congo.

Henry Ozoemena (Enyimba)

Goalkeeper Henry Ozoemena of Enyimba has solidified his place as the CHAN Eagles’ number-one shot-stopper, impressing in both legs of the qualifiers against Ghana. His reflexes and command of the box were evident in a 3-2 friendly win over Seamoriow FC, where he made crucial saves to keep Nigeria ahead. Ozoemena’s performances have earned him a likely call-up to the main Super Eagles for World Cup qualifiers, highlighting his rising stock. Against Senegal’s potent attack, Ozoemena’s heroics could be pivotal.

Ifeanyi Onyebuchi (Rangers International)

Rangers International’s center-back Ifeanyi Onyebuchi, despite missing early camp due to injury, has returned to bolster Nigeria’s defense. His physicality and aerial dominance were standout features in the qualifiers, particularly in the 3-1 win over Ghana in Uyo. Onyebuchi’s ability to read the game and make crucial interceptions earned him high praise from the NFF, with officials noting his potential for the main Super Eagles squad. In friendlies, including a 1-0 win over Grassrunners FC, he anchored a backline that conceded just four goals across six games. Onyebuchi’s duel with Congo’s forwards will be one to watch.

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Final Super Eagles B Team for CHAN

Goalkeepers: Henry Ozoemena Ani (Enyimba FC); Nurudeen Badmus (Kwara United); Lawal Mustapha (Shooting Stars).

Defenders: Sodiq Ismaila (Remo Stars); Bankole Afeez (Kwara United); Taiwo Abdulrafiu (Rivers United); Uzondu Harrison (Ikorodu City); Junior Harrison Nduka (Remo Stars); Ngenge Leonard (Ikorodu City); Stephen Manyo Egbe (Rivers United).

Midfielders: Adedayo Olamilekan (Remo Stars); Alex Oyowah (Remo Stars); Hadi Haruna (Remo Stars); Otaniyi Taofik (Rivers United); Michael Tochukwu (Remo Stars); Akanni Qudus (Remo Stars).

Forwards: Anas Yusuf (Nasarawa United); Shola Adelani (Ikorodu City); Sikiru Alimi (Remo Stars); Temitope Vincent (Plateau United); Ijoma Anthony (Abia Warriors); Godwin Obaje (Rangers International), Jabbar Malik (Remo Stars).

Conclusion

The CHAN Eagles, led by captain Junior Nduka, have shown their mettle in a rigorous preparation phase, scoring 21 goals in six friendlies while conceding only four. Their 5-0 thrashings of EmmyDinho FC and D12 FC, coupled with a 3-1 win over Ikorodu City, highlight their attacking flair and defensive resilience. Facing a tough Group D with defending champions Senegal, Sudan, and Congo, Nigeria’s blend of NPFL stars from clubs like Remo Stars, Kwara United, and Rivers United offers hope. With Ijoma’s goals, Lawal’s dynamism, Fatokun’s control, Ozoemena’s saves, and Onyebuchi’s solidity, the CHAN Eagles are ready to rewrite Nigeria’s history after their 2018 runner-up finish. The tournament, kicking off August 2, 2025, will be broadcast live on SuperSport and Afrosport, with fans eagerly awaiting a breakthrough for these domestic talents.