The Super Eagles’ camp in Abidjan is buzzing with activity as eight players, including Moses Simon and Samuel Chukwueze, arrived early on Monday to kickstart preparations for Nigeria’s AFCON 2025 qualifying matches against Benin Republic and Rwanda. With Nigeria leading Group D, the team’s goal is to secure their spot in the tournament with a solid performance over the next two games.
Nigeria’s News Agency (NAN) confirmed that Amas Obasogie, Raphael Onyedika, Frank Onyeka, Bruno Onyemaechi, Gabriel Osho, and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru joined Simon and Chukwueze in the Ivorian capital to begin training. The camp, which opened on Monday, will host a full squad led by Captain William Ekong and Africa’s reigning Player of the Year, Victor Osimhen, with the remaining invitees expected by Tuesday.
The Super Eagles are set to clash with Benin Republic’s Cheetahs at Stade Felix-Houphouet-Boigny on Thursday before returning to Nigeria for their final qualifier against Rwanda’s Amavubi on Monday at Uyo’s Godswill Akpabio Stadium. Sitting at the top of Group D with 10 points, the Eagles only need a single point from these last two games to confirm their qualification for the tournament.
Following a CAF Disciplinary Board ruling in October that awarded Nigeria three points for their aborted match with Libya, the Super Eagles now boast a seven-goal advantage without conceding a single goal. This advantage provides additional confidence as the team takes on Rwanda, currently trailing Nigeria with five points and a negative goal difference.
Former TTC Football Academy coach Emmanuel Brown shared optimism about the team’s qualification, noting the determination of players like Osimhen and Lookman: “This squad is driven and talented across every position. I believe they’ll secure their qualification with ease.”
