Veteran midfielder Rabiu Ali is on the brink of making history as he looks to lead the Home-based Super Eagles to the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
The Kano Pillars captain, who has previously won silver and bronze in the competition, is eager to add another chapter to his impressive CHAN journey.
Having played a key role in the squad’s preparations, Ali is now part of the team that will face Ghana in the second leg of the final qualifying round on Saturday at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo. The first leg ended in a tense 0-0 draw in Accra, leaving everything to play for in the return fixture.
Ali shared his excitement and determination ahead of the high-stakes encounter, saying, “This will be my third time in the tournament finals if we qualify. Of course, I’m praying for us to beat Ghana on Saturday. The ticket is the first objective, and with the quality of players we have in this team, I’m confident we can achieve it.”
The 33-year-old playmaker remains a vital figure in Nigeria’s midfield, offering experience and leadership on and off the pitch. Ali’s performances in training have reportedly been a source of inspiration for his younger teammates as the team gears up for a match steeped in rivalry and history.
A Rivalry Rekindled
The Super Eagles B will be looking to overcome a formidable Ghanaian side coached by Mas-Ud Didi Dramani. While the Black Galaxies have a strong track record against Nigeria in CHAN qualifiers, including denying them World Cup qualification in 2022, head coach Daniel Ogunmodede insists history holds no weight for his team.
“We are blind to past results. This is a new game, a new opportunity, and we are fully prepared. Our focus is on winning and securing qualification for CHAN 2024,” Ogunmodede said.
Ali echoed his coach’s sentiments, “We’ve worked hard in camp, and the fans’ support will make a huge difference. We’re ready to fight for Nigeria,” he added.
Shina Oludare is a distinguished sports journalist and managing editor, renowned for his comprehensive coverage of African football. His dedication to elevating African sports on the global stage has earned him widespread respect, along with numerous accolades for his contributions. A graduate of the LaLiga Business School in Madrid, Oludare’s passion for sports and his influential work in African football journalism have established him as a leading figure in the industry.
