🇳🇬 Home Eagles Aim High as CHAN 2024 Kicks Off: Nigeria Quietly Gathers Steam in Zanzibar

 

Coach Éric Chelle Cafonlline

As the continent turns to the CHAN 2024 stage, Nigeria’s locally-based Super Eagles are sharpening their tactical edge and collective belief in a bid to finally lift the trophy.

 Zig Diaries Sports 

Date: Monday, 29 July 2025
Time: 18:40 WAT
Location: 📍Zanzibar, Tanzania

Nigeria’s Home Eagles are finalizing preparations for their CHAN 2024 Group D opener with renewed tactical discipline and belief under new head coach Éric Chelle.

With kick-off for the 2024 edition of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) just days away, Nigeria’s Home Eagles are setting their sights on a historic campaign that could deliver the country’s first-ever CHAN title.

Now under the calm stewardship of Franco-Malian tactician Éric Chelle, the squad — composed exclusively of Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) players — has been quietly training in Zanzibar, far from media glare but rich in intent.

Grouped alongside defending champions Senegal, three-time participants Congo, and a resurgent Sudan in Group D, Nigeria faces a difficult task. But midfielder Harrison Austin of Ikorodu City exudes the growing confidence within the camp.

“The coach sees our lapses, points them out, and we make corrections — even among ourselves, we hold short meetings to review how to do better. And it shows,” Austin said after a goalless friendly against Zanzibar.

Chelle, who took over from the coach that qualified the team, has quickly won the trust of the players with his methodical, patient approach. Austin noted that the coach’s willingness to explain his ideas has empowered the squad to develop both tactically and mentally.

“Even when I don’t immediately understand his instructions, he’s patient. That gives me the freedom to learn and improve.”

The Home Eagles last came close to CHAN glory in 2018, finishing as runners-up. This year, with a younger and tighter-knit team, they are determined to go a step further.

“We’ve all promised ourselves to give everything to win the trophy. It’s our collective target,” Austin added.

As Nigeria prepares for their Group D opener, there is little room for slow starts. With the stakes high and the competition fierce, Chelle’s men must hit the ground running — with focus, unity, and belief in their preparation.

🏷️Tags: CHAN 2024, Nigeria, Home Eagles, Harrison Austin, Éric Chelle, NPFL, Zanzibar, African Nations Championship
#CHAN2024 #HomeEagles #NPFL #TeamNigeria #ZigSports #NigeriaFootball #AfricanFootball