Victoria Mgbanwa
As the Super Eagles of Nigeria gear up for the decisive final rounds of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, key players have already begun to assemble at their camp in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, ahead of upcoming fixtures against Benin Republic and Rwanda.
Moses Simon and Samuel Chukwueze are among the first to arrive, joining six other early arrivals: Amas Obasogie, Raphael Onyedika, Frank Onyeka, Bruno Onyemaechi, Gabriel Osho, and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru. These players touched down in Abidjan on Monday, as the team kicks off its preparations for the crucial qualifiers. The Super Eagles’ media officer confirmed that at least eight players are now in camp, with more expected to join in the coming days.
The Super Eagles, led by captain William Ekong, will face off against the Cheetahs of Benin Republic at the Stade Felix-Houphouet-Boigny on Thursday, before traveling to Uyo for their final qualifying match against Rwanda on Monday at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium. With 10 players from the original 26-man squad having already arrived in camp, the team’s focus is squarely on securing the six points that will guarantee a place in the final tournament.
Currently atop Group D, Nigeria needs just a point against Benin Republic to confirm their qualification for AFCON 2025, with their tally of 10 points putting them in a strong position. A draw against the Cheetahs will see them move to 11 points, and only Rwanda, their final opponents, could potentially match that total.
The Super Eagles’ strong standing in the group has been bolstered by a perfect record of seven goals scored and none conceded, following the CAF Disciplinary Board’s awarding of three points and three goals for the forfeited match against Libya. In contrast, Rwanda, with just five points and a one-goal deficit, faces an uphill battle to catch up.
As the final qualifying window approaches, Nigeria’s stars, including reigning Africa Player of the Year Victor Osimhen, are eager to seal their place in next year’s tournament, ensuring that the Super Eagles maintain their momentum on the road to AFCON glory.
