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As the countdown to the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) continues, Nigeria’s Super Eagles B squad are soaking in the intensity of life under head coach Eric Chelle, Footynaija.com reports.
Two players making headlines in camp are Ikorodu City winger Sola Adelani and Remo Stars midfielder Adedayo Olamilekan, both of whom credit Chelle’s no-nonsense, high-octane philosophy for sharpening their focus ahead of the tournament.
Adelani, proud to finally don Nigeria’s colours, described the experience as surreal: “It’s a dream come true playing for the Nigerian national team. The coach always says, ‘If you are not a warrior, you can’t play football.’”
He added that Chelle constantly challenges him to take risks in attack: “He talks to me — Sola, if you have the ball, go one-on-one. Even though you lose the ball, it’s not a problem. Just go one-on-one, don’t come back.”
Adelani is confident the squad is primed for battle: “Even though we’re making some mistakes, the coach keeps reminding us that mistakes are part of football. We just have to improve more.”
Midfielder Olamilekan, who overcame multiple national team snubs to make the CHAN squad, hailed Chelle’s belief in his ability: “When I was in the U17, I was dropped. At U23, I was dropped again. But I found myself here.
“This coach is the biggest I’ve ever worked with. He wants it all — intensity, aggressiveness — he never settles.”
Nigeria, currently in a pre-tournament camp in Zanzibar, are drawn in Group D with Senegal, Sudan, and Congo.
Friendly matches against Zanzibar’s senior national side will wrap up their preparations before the tournament kicks off on August 2.
Nigeria’s first game is against defending champions Senegal on August 5.
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