Exclusive – CHAN 2024Q: Yusuf Vows ‘Christmas Gift’ Victory Over Ghana For Nigeria

Anas Yusuf, the Super Eagles B forward, has emphasised the significance of Saturday’s Championship of African Nations (CHAN) 2024 qualification return leg match against West African arch-rivals, Ghana, Completesports.com reports.

Following an intensive two-and-a-half-hour training session at the magnificent Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on Thursday, Anas exclusively told Completesports.com that after Nigeria’s absence from the 2018 and 2021 editions of the tournament, reserved for African players plying their trade in their domestic leagues, the best Christmas and New Year gift they could offer Nigerians would be a victory over Ghana’s Black Galaxies on Saturday.

“It’s true that Nigeria did not participate in the last two CHAN editions, and it’s very sad and unfortunate. However, we believe the best Christmas and New Year gift we can offer Nigerians is a victory over Ghana on Saturday,” Yusuf said in an exclusive interview after the evening training session that ended around 7:25 pm.

Also Read: CHAN 2024Q: 5 Major Talking Points From Home Eagles vs Ghana In Accra

“It will also be a victory for ourselves and the domestic NPFL league. We are working hard to ensure we successfully complete the task we began in Accra, Ghana, last week, with a win on Saturday.”

Under the guidance of Daniel Ogunmodede and Fidelis ‘The Working One’ Ilechukwu, Thursday’s session focused on attacking and goal-scoring drills for 55 minutes, following 25 minutes of physical conditioning and ball work.

Yusuf, who plays for Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) side, Nasarawa United, is the league’s leading scorer with 10 goals. He is also the only player to have scored two hat-tricks this season. The right-footed midfielder commended the technical and tactical work done by the coaching team, insisting the onus is now on the players to deliver on the pitch.

“We understand the rivalry between Nigeria and Ghana at every football level. We won’t sit back just because we secured a goalless draw in the first leg in Ghana,” Yusuf said.

Also Read: NPFL: Enyimba Hold Plateau United, Extend Winless Streak

“The coaches have put in a lot of work in training. Our focus is to respond positively on the pitch on Saturday, ensuring victory and sealing our qualification for CHAN 2025.”

The CHAN 2024 will be co-hosted by Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda from February 1 to 28 2025, with the winner of the Nigeria-Ghana tie set to play their group games in Tanzania. The Super Eagles B and the Ghana Black Galaxies played out a goalless draw in the first leg in Accra last weekend.

By Sab Osuji, in Uyo