In a bold managerial twist just weeks before the kickoff of the 2025 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN), the Nigeria Football Federation has appointed Eric Sekou Chelle to lead the Super Eagles B side. The decision comes despite Daniel Ogunmodede having steered the team successfully through the qualification phase.

Chelle, who is already at the helm of Nigeria’s senior national team, now shoulders dual responsibilities. The Malian-born tactician replaces Ogunmodede as head coach of the home-based Super Eagles, stepping into a pressure-cooker role with the tournament kicking off in August across Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.

With time not on his side, Chelle has plunged into preparations at the Remo Stars Sports Institute in Ogun State, where he’s overseeing the training camp for a 35-man provisional squad. His immediate challenge is to inject tactical clarity and cohesion into a squad set to face defending champions Senegal, Sudan, and Congo in a tricky Group D.

The first two group matches will be held at the Amman Stadium on Zanzibar Island, while the final group clash will be played at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.

This marks Chelle’s debut campaign with the Super Eagles B side, and the stakes are high — Nigeria will be eager to move beyond their 2018 runner-up finish and secure their first-ever CHAN title.

Despite the last-minute switch, Chelle’s appointment could inject renewed belief and fresh momentum into the squad. All eyes will now be on how the Super Eagles B fare under their new leader on East African soil.

Provisional Super Eagles B Squad for CHAN 2025 (35 Players)

Goalkeepers:

Henry Ani (Enyimba)

Kayode Bankole (Remo Stars)

Nurudeen Badmus (Kwara United)

Lawal Mustapha (Shooting Stars)

Ebenezer Harcourt (Sporting Lagos)

Defenders:

Sodiq Ismaila, Junior Nduka (Remo Stars)

Waliu Ojewole, Uzondu Harrison, Ngengen Leonard (Ikorodu City)

Bankole Afeez, Mohammed Kabiru (Kwara United)

Taiwo Abdulrafiu, Stephen Manyo Egbe (Rivers United)

Ifeanyi Onyebuchi (Rangers International)

Midfielders:

Adebayo Olamilekan, Haddi Haruna, Michael Tochukwu (Remo Stars)

Adejoh Ojonugwa (Abia Warriors)

Saviour Isaac (Rangers International)

Musa Zayyad (El-Kanemi Warriors)

Otaniyi Taofik (Rivers United)

Papa Daniel Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes)

Adam Aminu (Kano Pillars)

⚡ Forwards:

Anas Yusuf (Nasarawa United)

Adamu Abubakar, Temitope Vincent (Plateau United)

Shola Adelani, Ayomide Cole (Ikorodu City)

Sikiru Alimi (Remo Stars)

Ijoma Anthony, Sunday Megwo (Abia Warriors)

Atule Joseph (Enyimba)

Aniekeme Okon (Rivers United)

Godwin Obaje (Rangers International)