5 Nigerian clubs that contributed most players to Super Eagles final squad for CHAN 2024

Head Coach Eric Chelle has unveiled a formidable 23-man Super Eagles B squad for the 8th African Nations Championship (CHAN), set to take place from August 2 to 30, 2025, across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.

The squad, as reported by Pulse Sports Nigeria via the NFF, led by captain Junior Harrison Nduka, forward Godwin Obaje, and defender Sikiru Alimi, showcases the depth of talent in Nigeria’s domestic leagues.

With the team preparing for their campaign in Group D against Senegal, Sudan, and Congo, we dive into the clubs that dominate Chelle’s final list.

Here’s a list highlighting the top five Nigerian clubs that contributed the most players to the Super Eagles B squad for CHAN 2024, displaying their influence and prominence in Nigerian football.

Remo Stars, based in Ikenne, Ogun State, are the reigning champions of the Nigeria Premier Football League, after their first-ever win last season, and lead the pack with an impressive eight players in the final squad, making them the most represented club.

The team’s training camp at the Remo Stars Sports Institute has clearly paid off, with their players forming the backbone of Chelle’s lineup. Key figures include:

• Junior Harrison Nduka (Defender, Captain)

The team’s leader, known for his commanding presence and precise passing, as seen in his goal-scoring exploits during qualifiers.

• Sikiru Alimi (Defender/Forward): A versatile star who shines in both defensive and attacking roles, highlighted by his header in a friendly against Ikorodu City.

Sodiq Ismaila (Defender): A reliable defender who scored in the 3-1 qualifier win over Ghana, showing telepathic connection with Nduka.

• Hadi Haruna (Midfielder): A dynamic playmaker who set up crucial goals in warm-up matches.

• Alex Oyowah (Midfielder): Known for his tactical discipline and creativity in the midfield.

Adedayo Olamilekan (Midfielder), the club’s current Player of the Year, Akanni Qudus (Midfielder), Michael Tochukwu (Midfielder), and Jabbar Malik (Forward): These players add depth and flair, with Remo Stars’ cohesive system giving them an edge.

Remo Stars’ dominance reflects not just their position as the best in the country at the moment, but their investment in youth development and tactical discipline, making them a breeding ground for national team talent.

Their players’ chemistry, honed at the Ikenne camp, is a key asset for Nigeria’s CHAN ambitions.

Rivers United, a Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) heavyweight, contribute three players to the squad, showing their strength in producing top-tier talent. The selected players are:

• Taiwo Abdulrafiu (Defender): A robust defender known for his physicality and aerial ability.

• Steven Mayo Egbe (Defender): A versatile full back who bolsters the team’s defensive stability.

• Otaniyi Taofik (Midfielder): A hardworking midfielder who brings energy and balance to the squad.

Rivers United’s consistent performance in the NPFL under former Super Eagles boss Finidi George and their ability to nurture defensively solid players make them a vital part of Chelle’s setup.

Their players are expected to play key roles in Nigeria’s Group D matches at the Amman Stadium in Zanzibar.

Ikorodu City, a relatively new but rapidly rising club in the NPFL, fondly known as ‘The Baby of the League’ has three players in the squad, signaling their growing influence, especially following a remarkable debut in the league last season. The players include:

• Uzondu Harrison (Defender): A tenacious defender who adds grit to the backline and creativity in attack. One goal and eight assists in the NPFL last season for the Oga Boys paint a more vivid picture.

• Ngengen Leonard (Defender): Known for his composure under pressure, a key trait for CHAN’s high-stakes matches.

• Shola Adelani (Forward): A dynamic young attacker who brings pace, flair and goals, after he scored 12 and assisted two last season, to the frontline.

Ikorodu City’s inclusion of three players shows their emergence as a force in Nigerian football. Their recent 3-1 loss to the CHAN Eagles in a friendly showed their competitiveness, even against national team stars.

FA Cup winners Kwara United, known for their solid defensive structure, contribute two players to the squad, reinforcing Nigeria’s backline.

• Bankole Afeez (Defender): A tough-tackling defender who provides stability.

• Nurudeen Badmus (Goalkeeper): A reliable shot-stopper vying for a starting spot alongside Enyimba’s Henry Ozoemena Ani.

Kwara United’s defensive focus that helped them to conquer others in the FA Cup aligns with Chelle’s tactical approach, emphasising a strong backline to counter Group D opponents like Senegal and Congo.

Their players’ experience in the NPFL ensures resilience in high-pressure situations.

Rangers International, one of Nigeria’s most successful clubs, is represented by a single but impactful player:

• Godwin Obaje (Forward): A prolific striker who has expressed confidence in the team’s chemistry, noting their brotherly bond from club competitions. His goal-scoring ability and reliability will be crucial against tough opponents like Sudan.

While Rangers contribute only one player, Obaje’s experience and leadership make him a standout.

The Super Eagles B squad, dominated by these five clubs, reflects the strength of Nigeria’s domestic league. With Champions Remo Stars leading the charge, followed by Rivers United, Ikorodu City, Kwara United, and Rangers International, the team blends experience, youth, and tactical versatility.

As they prepare for friendlies against Zanzibar’s senior team on July 28 and 31, and their Group D campaign starting August 5 against Senegal, these clubs’ contributions will be decisive in Nigeria’s quest for a first CHAN title.