Home-based Super Eagles forward Mohammed Zukifilu has reaffirmed the team’s determination to qualify for the 2024 African Nations Championship, saying that the squad is fully prepared to overcome Ghana this time around.
In the previous edition, Nigeria fell short against Ghana in the qualifiers, a painful loss that Zukifilu experienced firsthand.
Speaking to Brila FM, he emphasized the team’s resolve not to repeat that disappointment.
“We came close to qualifying for the CHAN last time, and that failure still lingers in my mind,” Zukifilu said.
This time around, it is like a personal mission for me and those of us who still made this team. We can’t afford to fail again, qualifying for the CHAN is non-negotiable.”
Reflecting on his return to the squad, Zukifilu expressed excitement and optimism: “I am truly delighted to make the squad again, and this time things will be different.”
In 2022, the Super Eagles’ Team B narrowly missed out on CHAN qualification, losing to Ghana in a penalty shootout (4-5) after a tense second-leg match at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.
Despite Nigeria’s two goals, which tied the aggregate at 2-2, the team was ultimately eliminated on penalties, marking a hard-fought but disappointing end to their campaign.
Now, with past setbacks fueling their motivation, Zukifilu and his teammates are determined to rewrite their story and secure a place in the 2024 CHAN tournament.
