Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has acknowledged that Nigeria faces a difficult challenge against defending champions Senegal in their upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 Group D opener.
The highly anticipated clash is scheduled for Tuesday night at the Amman Stadium in Zanzibar, bringing together two of the tournament's favorites.
Speaking at a pre-match press conference on Monday, Chelle emphasized the significance of the fixture between the two football powerhouses.
"I don't know if it's a debate, but I know this is a game for two big countries in Africa," Chelle stated. "Senegal and Nigeria have a history in football. They have lots of good teams, lots of good generations that play well, so this is a great game. Senegal is a big team."
The Super Eagles are making their return to the CHAN tournament after missing recent editions. Their last appearance was in 2018, where they finished as runners-up following a 4-0 defeat to hosts Morocco in the final. Nigeria also claimed third place in the 2014 edition hosted by South Africa.
Both Nigeria and Senegal enter the tournament with high expectations, as they are considered among the favorites to lift the trophy. The competition features players exclusively from domestic leagues across Africa, showcasing local talent on a continental stage.
The match represents an early test for both sides in Group D, with the result potentially setting the tone for their respective campaigns in the tournament.
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