'Joyful thing' – Austin reflects on dream Super Eagles call-up for CHAN, lauds Eric Chelle

Ikorodu City midfielder Harrison Austin has described his maiden call-up to the home-based Super Eagles squad, popularly known as the CHAN Eagles, as the pinnacle of his football journey so far.

The midfielder is one of three players from the Lagos-based club selected in Nigeria’s final 24-man squad for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), which will be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda from August 2 to 30.

"It’s a very happy and joyful thing for me. I’ve been looking up to representing the country and I didn’t see this coming,” Austin said. 

"I was like, ‘Me? Being counted among the first 40, 35 which were  invited I told myself, ‘I need to give it all to make the final 24.’ And I’m very happy. It’s one of the highest levels in my career which I’ve achieved."

Austin’s inclusion is a reward for his consistent performances in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), where he recorded one goal and eight assists last season to help Ikorodu City to a fourth-place finish. 

His contributions did not go unnoticed and ultimately earned him a place in the national camp at the Remo Stars Sports Institute in Ikenne.

“[Ikorodu] City did a lot of work getting me here,” he acknowledged. “The encouragement, the support, pushing me beyond my limits—that has helped me a lot.”

Adapting to life in the national team, Austin praised head coach Eric Chelle for fostering an environment conducive to learning and growth.

"How I’m coping is because the coach gave me room to ask questions,” he explained. 

"Most times I didn’t fully understand some of the things he said, so I would ask and get real details. That made it easier for me to pick things up.”

He also emphasized the team’s commitment to collective improvement. 

"As a team, we regularly talk about the competition and how to improve in every aspect. 

"After every game, the coach points out our lapses. We usually hold short meetings to address them, and we always try to do better in the next game."

With Nigeria unbeaten in their build-up matches, including a 3-1 victory over Ikorodu City, Austin is confident the team is ready for the challenge ahead.

“I can say the coach also approved that we’ve been improving from the first friendly to the most recent one. 

"I love the spirit in camp. Everyone is eyeing the same goal—the gold medal. We’ve promised to give it our all. 

"Never say die. We are beating our chests and saying we’ll do everything to return with the trophy.”

Nigeria will face Senegal, Sudan, and Congo in Group D as they aim to win their first-ever CHAN title.

Wale Adejumo

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