The Nigerian Super Eagles kicked off their preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 qualifiers with early arrivals in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. Key players Moses Simon and Samuel Chukwueze were among the first to arrive at camp on Monday, joined by six others, as the team braces for crucial matches against Benin Republic and Rwanda.
According to the Super Eagles media officer, at least eight players reported to camp on Monday, including Amas Obasogie, Raphael Onyedika, Frank Onyeka, Bruno Onyemaechi, Gabriel Osho, and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru. More players are expected to arrive by Tuesday, completing the squad in time for training sessions ahead of their match against Benin on Thursday at Stade Felix-Houphouet-Boigny.
Captain William Ekong, along with forward Victor Osimhen—recently crowned Africa Player of the Year—and Ademola Lookman are among the 23 players called up for these decisive qualifiers. The team, currently leading Group D, needs just one point against Benin to secure their place in the tournament, with only Rwanda potentially able to challenge their position.
The Super Eagles are in strong form, boasting a seven-goal tally without conceding, aided by a ruling from the CAF Disciplinary Board that granted them three points and three goals for a disrupted match against Libya. This robust position in the qualifiers places Nigeria as the favorite against both Benin and Rwanda, as they seek to clinch six points and advance confidently to the 2025 AFCON tournament.
Following their game in Abidjan, the team will return to Nigeria, traveling to Uyo on Friday to prepare for their final qualifying game against Rwanda, set for Monday at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium.
