Nigeria’s Super Eagles continue to strengthen their camp in Uyo with the arrival of two key players, Samuel Chukwueze and Taminu Benjamin, ahead of their crucial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying matches against Benin Republic and Rwanda. The pair arrived Tuesday afternoon, increasing the number of players in the squad to 18, with further arrivals expected later in the evening.
Chukwueze, currently playing in Italy’s Serie A with AC Milan, is a central figure in the Super Eagles’ campaign.
Named in the 23-man squad announced by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) last month, the 24-year-old winger is expected to play a pivotal role in Nigeria’s bid for a strong start in the AFCON qualifiers.
Having already proven his worth at international level, Chukwueze’s arrival in camp is a welcome boost for head coach José Peseiro, who will be counting on the winger’s pace and creativity to unlock opposition defenses.
In contrast, Taminu Benjamin’s arrival comes as a surprise inclusion in the squad.
The 21-year-old defender recently joined English League One side Crawley Town and was not initially listed in the NFF’s official squad announcement.
However, his call-up highlights the coaching staff’s desire to assess fresh talent as Nigeria prepares for a potentially grueling qualifying campaign.
Taminu’s late addition underlines the Super Eagles’ need for depth, particularly in defense, as they face back-to-back fixtures in the coming days.
With 18 players now in camp, the atmosphere within the Super Eagles camp is reportedly positive and focused as the team looks to make the most of its preparation time before Saturday’s showdown against Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.
The coaching staff has outlined a detailed training schedule, including open sessions that allow the press and fans limited access to observe the squad’s readiness for the upcoming matches.
Despite the growing numbers, a few more players are still expected to arrive by Tuesday night.
Among them are key figures from European clubs who will be essential to Nigeria’s success in both qualifiers.
As the squad continues to swell, the focus remains on building strong chemistry and perfecting tactical approaches under coach Peseiro.
Nigeria’s first test will come on September 7 when they face Benin Republic on home soil in Uyo.
The Super Eagles will be eager to kickstart their qualification campaign with a victory, particularly given the expectations from their football-crazed fanbase.
Following that encounter, the team will head to Kigali for a match against Rwanda on September 10, in what will be another opportunity for Nigeria to assert their dominance in Group C of the AFCON qualifiers.
The combination of experienced stars like Chukwueze and the introduction of emerging talents such as Taminu reflects Nigeria’s strategy of balancing seasoned international campaigners with promising newcomers.
This blend could prove crucial in ensuring the Super Eagles not only qualify for AFCON 2025 but do so in style.
As preparations continue and the squad finalizes, all eyes will be on the Super Eagles to see how they handle the pressure of these crucial fixtures.
With the full complement of players soon to be in camp, Nigeria’s road to AFCON 2025 is well underway.
Samu Chukwueze x Benjamin Tanimu are in #soarsupereagles pic.twitter.com/uQsgAuF5Y1
— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) September 3, 2024
