CHAN
As CHAN 2024 Kicks Off, Nigeria Hopes for Goals and a Place in Hat-Trick History
As the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) gets underway this weekend across Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, anticipation is building—not just for who will win the trophy, but for who might carve their name into the competition’s elite hat-trick club.
Since the tournament’s inception in 2009, CHAN has served as a launchpad for local talent and a festival of raw, homegrown footballing passion.
Yet, in its 15-year history, only three players have managed to net a hat-trick in a single match—a rare and revered feat.
Nigeria’s own Chisom Chikatara is one of that select trio. Nicknamed “The Kolanut Boy,” the Abia Warriors striker came off the bench at CHAN 2016 in Rwanda to net three sensational second-half goals in a 4-1 victory over Niger.
Though the Super Eagles did not go far in the tournament, Chikatara’s electric display lit up headlines and briefly turned him into one of the continent’s most talked-about talents.
Before him, Zambia’s Given Singuluma set the pace in 2009, firing three past hosts Côte d’Ivoire in the maiden edition. His five-goal tally helped Zambia claim a third-place finish, while his performances earned him legendary status back home.
Then came the 2018 edition, and Morocco’s Ayoub El Kaabi. His eight goals—three of them in a single game against Guinea—guided the North Africans to their first CHAN title. El Kaabi’s remarkable run became the stuff of tournament folklore, and it also opened doors to European football for him.
“It was CHAN that gave me the biggest spotlight of my life,” he would later say.
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As the 2024 edition of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 kicks off across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, we look back at the seven players who have claimed the prestigious Best Player of the Tournament award — an honour that has earned them a place in the CHAN Hall of Fame.
Since its inception in 2009, CHAN has celebrated the very best of local talent on the African continent — a stage exclusively reserved for players competing in their domestic leagues.
And in every edition, one player has risen above the rest to leave an indelible mark.
Among the hundreds who’ve competed, only seven players have walked away with the tournament’s most coveted individual honour: Best Player of the Tournament.
Each of these stars didn’t just impress—they defined the rhythm and spirit of their respective editions.
2009 – Tresor Mputu Mabi (DR Congo)
The tournament’s very first MVP remains one of its most iconic. A magician in midfield, Mputu’s vision, flair and leadership were instrumental in DR Congo’s maiden CHAN title triumph in Côte d’Ivoire. He set the bar for future editions, showing how CHAN could be a launchpad for stardom.
2011 – Zouheir Dhaouadi (Tunisia)
Two years later in Sudan, Zouheir Dhaouadi dazzled fans with his creativity and intelligent play. The Tunisian attacking midfielder not only pulled the strings for his team but also finished as joint top scorer. His performances powered Tunisia to their first CHAN title.
2014 – Ejike Uzoenyi (Nigeria)
In South Africa, Ejike Uzoenyi captured attention with his explosive pace and pinpoint deliveries from the left wing. The Nigerian winger was relentless throughout the tournament and was deservedly crowned MVP. His efforts earned him a spot in Nigeria’s 2014 World Cup squad — a rare feat for a CHAN star.
2016 – Meshack Elia (DR Congo)
Back to DR Congo dominance in 2016, Meshack Elia took over the spotlight in Rwanda. His trickery, acceleration and cold-blooded finishing lit up the tournament. Elia led DR Congo to their second CHAN crown and proved to be a nightmare for defenders.
2018 – Ayoub El Kaabi (Morocco)
No CHAN history can be told without mentioning Ayoub El Kaabi. The Moroccan striker wrote himself into folklore by scoring a record nine goals at CHAN 2018, helping his side lift the trophy on home soil. His devastating hat-trick against Guinea and continued brilliance made him the undisputed player of the tournament.
2020 – Soufiane Rahimi (Morocco)
Morocco repeated their feat in 2020 with Soufiane Rahimi stepping into the spotlight. A technically gifted forward with a keen eye for goal, Rahimi scored five times and pulled the strings in attack. His MVP award confirmed Morocco’s growing dominance in CHAN history.
2022 – Houssem Eddine Mrezigue (Algeria)
Most recently, Houssem Eddine Mrezigue anchored Algeria’s midfield with poise and control in the 2022 edition. Though his side narrowly missed the title, his consistent displays and tactical maturity earned him the Best Player accolade — and a deserved spot in CHAN’s elite club.
These seven players have etched their names in CHAN’s Hall of Fame — not just for their individual brilliance, but for how they elevated their teams and left a lasting legacy on the tournament.
Now, as CHAN 2024 unfolds across East Africa, a new chapter is being written. The next few weeks will reveal the stars of tomorrow — local talents ready to shine, inspire, and etch their names among Africa’s finest.
By the time the final whistle blows in Nairobi, one more player will be added to this coveted list of CHAN greats.
-CAFonline
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Nigeria’s Super Eagles B rounded off their preparations for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) with a 2-2 draw in their final warm-up match played on Wednesday.
The Nigerian side, coached by Eric Chelle, went into the break with a comfortable 2-0 lead courtesy of goals from Anas Yusuf of Nasarawa United and Adedayo Olamilekan of Remo Stars. Both players took their chances well, giving the team early momentum and boosting confidence ahead of Saturday’s CHAN opener.
Coach Chelle, who had earlier made five changes to the starting lineup from Monday’s trial game, handed starting berths to Akanni Kudus, Egbe Manyo, Malik Jabbar, Vincent Temitope, and Anas Yusuf, as he continued to test his options and assess players’ readiness.
In a strategic move during the second half, the coach fielded the entire bench to ensure all squad members had match action.
The team, however, struggled to maintain the same intensity, allowing their opponents to claw back and level the scoreline.
Chelle, wary of last-minute injuries, reportedly urged his players to slow the pace and avoid unnecessary risks, emphasising the need to remain fit and focused ahead of the tournament kick-off.
The Super Eagles B will now turn full attention to their CHAN campaign, where they hope to make a strong impression.
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Nigeria’s home-based Super Eagles will look to sharpen their claws when they face hosts Zanzibar on Thursday in the second of a two-match build-up series ahead of the 8th African Nations Championship (CHAN), which kicks off on Saturday.
The first warm-up game between both teams ended in a goalless stalemate on Monday at the Mau Stadium, located in central Zanzibar.
Despite dominating the match with superior ball possession and multiple chances, Nigeria were unable to break down a resolute Zanzibar defence that worked tirelessly to keep the scoreboard blank.
Among the standout performers for Nigeria in that match were Adedayo Olamilekan, Hadi Haruna, Sikiru Alimi and Harrison Tochukwu.
Also in action were goalkeeper Ozoemena Ani, team captain Nduka Junior, Leonard Ngenge, Abdulrafiu Taiwo, Sodiq Ismaila, Ijoma Anthony, Harrison Ozondu, Akanni Qudus, Taofeek Otaniyi, Godwin Obaje, Jabbar Malik and Shola Adelani.
Thursday’s return encounter at the same Mau Stadium will be the team’s final tune-up before their tournament opener against defending champions Senegal on Tuesday, August 5, at the 15,000-capacity Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar.
Nigeria, silver medallists at the 2018 edition and bronze winners in 2014, are placed in Group D alongside Senegal, Sudan and Congo — the only group with four teams in the 19-nation tournament. The Eagles will take on Sudan on Tuesday, August 12, at the Amaan Stadium, and round off their group stage campaign against Congo on Tuesday, August 19, at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Other venues for the month-long championship include the Moi International Sports Centre and Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi, Kenya, and the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, Uganda.
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