Nigeria’s CHAN Eagles continued their fine form ahead of the 2024 African Nations Championship with a 3-1 triumph over Ikorodu City in a friendly match played on Monday evening in Ikenne, Footynaija.com reports.
The match began on a shaky note for Eric Chelle’s team as they went behind just five minutes into the encounter, with Ikorodu City, fresh off their Eko International Cup success, capitalising on a defensive lapse to grab the opener.
He’s him!
Abia Warriors FC’s Anthony Ijoma has scored 3 goals and provided an assist in his 3 CHAN Eagles preparation games, picking up right where he left off last season in the #NPFL.
: @MuzamilRaji #NPFLxCHAN pic.twitter.com/lkumxqbE4X
— NPFL News (@NPFL_News) July 22, 2025
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However, the home-based Eagles responded swiftly. Junior Nduka drew them level in the 9th minute with a brilliant finish from a well-worked free-kick routine involving Haruna Hadi.
With both teams locked at 1-1 by halftime, Nigeria emerged stronger after the break. The turning point came in the 66th minute when Anthony Ijoma capped off a flowing team move that started with goalkeeper Ani Ozoemena and involved key contributions from Sikiru Alimi and Michael Tochukwu.
We now switch focus to the African Nations Championship (CHAN), marking our return to the tournament after six years away.
Preparations begin. Eyes on Zanzibar.#SoarSuperEagles #CHAN2024 pic.twitter.com/EpBjLImHeq
— Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) July 8, 2025
Twelve minutes later, Ijoma repaid the favour, setting up Alimi for Nigeria’s third of the evening, sealing a deserved win for the CHAN Eagles.
This result means Chelle’s side have now secured three wins in three friendlies, having earlier seen off Remo Stars and Ojodu City. They have ve scored six and conceded just one across those games.
Attention now turns to a crucial test against Rwanda’s APR FC in Kigali on July 29, before Nigeria head to Zanzibar for their final pre-tournament preparations ahead of the August 2 kickoff.
