By Daily Sports Nigeria on August 5, 2025

Nigeria coach Eric Chelle has expressed confidence ahead of their clash against Senegal in the Group D opener at the 2024 African Nations Championship in Zanzibar City, insisting that the Super Eagles B are fully prepared for the high-stakes West African clash.

Speaking during the pre-match press conference on Monday, Chelle acknowledged the magnitude of the contest, describing it as a meeting between two of Africa’s footballing heavyweights.

“I don’t know if it’s a derby, but I know this is a match between two big countries in African football, Senegal and Nigeria,” he said.

“There is a lot of history between them. They’ve both produced great teams and generations over time, and this will be a great game.”

Senegal, the defending champions, will begin their title defence against a Nigerian side returning to the tournament for the first time since 2018.

Chelle, who led his team through an intensive four-week training camp, is confident in the work done behind the scenes.

“Our preparation has been very good, we are ready to play this first game and to apply everything we have  worked on during the past four weeks,” he said.

Tuesday’s match at the Amaan Stadium will be the first-ever CHAN meeting between Nigeria and Senegal.

The Teranga Lions have never lost to a West African side in open play at the competition and are unbeaten in their last 10 CHAN matches in regulation time.

The Super Eagles B, however, are known for their attacking flair, having scored 25 goals in their 15 CHAN appearances.

Despite inconsistent results in their group openers in the past, Nigeria have proven capable of making deep runs, as seen in their third-place finish in 2014 and runners-up performance in 2018.

This will be the first time Nigeria face a reigning CHAN champion since the 2018 final, when they suffered a 4–0 defeat to Morocco, and a positive result against Senegal would not only boost their confidence but potentially signal a changing of the guard in West African football.

Meanwhile, Senegal are seeking to extend their unbeaten streak in regulation time at the CHAN to 11 matches and continue their defensive dominance.

Source Punch Ng

Posted August 5, 2025

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