Nigeria midfielder Michael Tochukwu has described as a “great experience” his involvement with the Super Eagles B ahead of the side’s first game against Senegal at the ongoing 2024 CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) in East Africa, www.aclsports.com reports.
The Remo Stars midfielder is among head coach Eric Chelle’s 23-man squad for the tournament, exclusively meant for players plying their trade in their home countries.
Speaking about being with the group, Tochukwu noted the help he got from the coaches and his teammates, while also stressing the competition for places in the team.
“For being my first time, it has been a great experience from my coaches down to my teammates,” the midfielder told NFF media.
“It has been a great feeling for me. We have a couple of players good as well. So it’s a competition. All man for himself. But I have a great feeling that I have so much to offer,” he added.
Tochukwu, who won Remo Stars’ goal of the season award, also called for unity among the squad as they hope to achieve results in the competition.
“I’m looking forward to a lot, but first, I’m looking forward to the team. So I want us to have one mind, one spirit, which is a goal of winning the champ. And um, we are focused, I’m more focused on the team bond. So I can’t play alone. So it’s an 11-man’s game, so I believe in everybody, and there’s a positive spirit that we will go far.
READ MORE: CHAN2024: Nigeria at CHAN tournaments
“To whom much is given, much is expected. So he’s not a difficult person. He’s a very good coach in my view, because he understands and speaks football. So if you have a good understanding, you understand that he’s a quality coach,” said about Eric Chelle as the head coach of the side.
On the title charge, Tochukwu said: “Inasmuch as we want it, our opponents also want it, but it’s about who wants it more. So I feel and I’m positive that we will not fail the country because it’s a privilege amongst many, and few are chosen. So we are ready to give our all to have the gold medal at the end.”
Nigeria will begin its quest for a first CHAN title with a clash against defending champions Senegal at the Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar on Tuesday. The game will kick off by 6pm Nigerian time.
