Interim Super Eagles coach Augustine Eguavoen is confident in his team’s ability to secure victories against Benin Republic and Rwanda in the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. Eguavoen, who took over after German coach Bruno Labbadia declined Nigeria’s offer, emphasized the strength and historic success of Nigerian football.
Eguavoen highlighted the importance of the team reflecting on their near victory in the 2023 AFCON and believes that with strong support and strategic guidance, the players can excel in these crucial matches. He stated, “Nigeria is a nation that commands respect in football, and there’s no change in this instance. I am very confident that we will succeed in these two games and beyond. We have the players, the support, and the right strategy; we just need to remind them of their near success and motivate them.”
Out of the 23 players called up for the qualifiers, 20 have already reported to the camp in Uyo, with the remaining players expected to join by Thursday. The Super Eagles are set to face Benin Republic on September 7 at 5 p.m., followed by a match against Rwanda in Kigali on September 10 at 2 p.m.
The squad began training in Uyo on Monday, with notable players including Captain William Troost-Ekong, Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman, and England-based stars Ola Aina, Semi Ajayi, Taiwo Awoniyi, and Wilfred Ndidi already present. South Africa-based Olisa Ndah and Stanley Nwabali, Bayer Leverkusen’s Victor Boniface, Lazio’s Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, and former Bendel Insurance goalkeeper Amas Obasogie are also in camp.
On Tuesday, the squad was joined by Fulham’s Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi, Moses Simon, Samuel Chukweuze, Raphael Onyedika, Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi, Bruno Onyemaechi, Frank Onyeka, and Benjamin Tanimu, who replaced the injured Bright Osayi-Samuel.
The Nigeria Football Federation also announced that new Sevilla signing Kelechi Iheanacho is expected to join the camp today, while Maduka Okoye and Victor Osimhen are anticipated to arrive on Thursday.
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