Super Eagles gear up as squad assembles ahead of AFCON qualifiers

With the countdown underway to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, Nigeria’s Super Eagles have welcomed 21 players to their training camp in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. The national team will face off against the Benin Republic’s Cheetahs in their opening qualifier tonight, with their second match against Rwanda scheduled shortly afterward. The camp, led by head coach Augustine Eguavoen, is buzzing with energy as players make final preparations for the qualifiers.

The latest arrivals include several key players, among them Captain William Troost-Ekong, forward Victor Osimhen, and midfielder Alex Iwobi.

Other recent arrivals to the camp are Ola Aina, Ademola Lookman, Victor Collins, Alhassan Yusuf, and Bright Osayi-Samuel, all of whom will bring vital experience and skill to the Super Eagles lineup.

Eguavoen’s squad, which has seen a mix of familiar faces and fresh talent, will hold their first training session together today as they look to kickstart their AFCON qualification campaign.

Only three players are still expected to join the team in Abidjan ahead of the crucial match.

The players currently at camp include a strong mix of experienced and emerging stars from top leagues around the world:

– Goalkeepers:Amas Obasogie and Maduka Okoye

– Defenders:William Troost-Ekong (captain), Ola Aina, Calvin Bassey, Gabriel Osho, and Bright Osayi-Samuel-

Midfielders:Raphael Onyedika, Frank Onyeka, Wilfred Ndidi, Alhassan Yusuf, Alex Iwobi, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru

– Forwards: Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Victor Boniface, Kelechi Iheanacho

Among the forwards, Osimhen is widely regarded as one of the team’s most potent attacking threats, having impressed in recent matches with his consistent goal-scoring form.

His presence in camp is a significant boost for Nigeria, whose fans are eagerly anticipating a strong start to the qualifiers.

As the Super Eagles prepare to face Benin, the team’s lineup is likely to showcase a balanced mix of defensive solidity, midfield creativity, and attacking prowess.

Captain Troost-Ekong’s leadership in defense, coupled with the experience of midfielders like Ndidi and the dynamic attacking duo of Osimhen and Lookman, is expected to provide the team with both depth and versatility.

The upcoming qualifiers mark a critical moment for Nigeria, as the team aims to secure a spot in the 2025 AFCON tournament.

The Super Eagles have a proud history in African football, and the fans, known for their passionate support, will be hoping for a triumphant start in Abidjan.

With training set to intensify and the full squad nearly assembled, the Super Eagles’ journey toward AFCON 2025 qualification officially begins.