Exclusive: Super Eagles Must Be Wary of Ghana's Black Galaxy – Garba Lawal

Former Nigerian international Garba Lawal has urged the Super Eagles B to approach their African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifiers against Ghana's Black Galaxy with caution.

Squad Announced for CHAN Qualifiers

Head Coach Augustine Eguavoen has invited 30 players to camp ahead of the two-legged clash. The squad includes experienced players and emerging talents.

Veteran Kano Pillars midfielder Rabiu Ali headlines the squad, withRemo Stars’ goalkeeper Kayode Bankole, Rivers United defender Steven Mayo, and Abia Warriors forward Sunday Megwo also making the list.

Enyimba goalkeeper Henry Ozoemena, Remo Stars wing-back Ismail Sadiq, Enugu Rangers midfielder Kazeem Ogunleye, and Nasarawa United forward Anas Yusuf are among the younger players called up for the games, while Victor Collins of Nasarawa United, who featured in Nigeria’s recent 2025 AFCON qualifiers, returned to the team.

A Rivalry with History

Ghana’s Black Galaxy holds a strong record against Nigeria in the CHAN qualifiers, having eliminated their neighbors in 2009 and 2023. These fixtures provide the Super Eagles B with an opportunity to avenge those losses.

“It’s going to be difficult against the Ghanaians, and I hope the players selected for these games fully understand the stakes. They must justify their inclusion in the team through their performance.” Lawal told SportsBoom.co.za.

High Stakes and Preparation

Ghanaian football is going through a tough time, following the Black Stars' failure to qualify for the 2025 African Cup of Nations in Morocco. A win for Nigeria would add to the Ghana's woes.

However, Lawal stressed the need for thorough preparation, citing Ghana’s determination to bounce back after recent failures. “The Super Eagles should remain cautious, as the Ghanaians are determined to redeem themselves.

"This promises to be a difficult encounter because the Eagles too have something to prove.”

Super Eagles' CHAN Performance Record

The Super Eagles have not reached the CHAN final since 2018, where they suffered a 4-0 defeat to Morocco. Previously, they finished third in 2014 but were eliminated in the group stage of the last tournament.

Criticism has been directed at both the team’s recent performances and the poor showing of Nigerian clubs in CAF competitions. However, Lawal remains optimistic: “The past is not important, and I believe the players are motivated to succeed and secure qualification for this tournament.”

Match Schedule

The first leg of the qualifiers will take place in Accra on Sunday, December 22, with the return leg set for the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, on Saturday, December 28.