As the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers approach, the interim coach of the Nigerian Super Eagles, Augustine Eguavoen, has expressed strong confidence in his team's chances of defeating both Benin Republic and Rwanda in their upcoming matches. Eguavoen, who recently took over coaching duties after German coach Bruno Labbadia declined Nigeria's offer, has emphasized the historic strength and resilience of Nigerian football. He firmly believes the Super Eagles possess the skills, experience, and determination required to triumph in these crucial encounters.
Reflecting on the team's near victory in the 2023 African Cup of Nations, Eguavoen has called for a focused and united effort from the players, technical crew, and the Nigerian Football Federation. "Nigeria is a nation that, in terms of football, a lot of countries respect, and there is no difference in this one," Eguavoen remarked. He emphasized that while the team fell just short of winning the championship recently, the core players remain the same and are capable of achieving even greater success. Eguavoen is determined to leverage the lessons learned from their past performances to guide the team to victory in these qualifiers.
With 20 of the 23 invited players already in camp in Uyo, preparations are well underway for the crucial matches ahead. Eguavoen is focused on fostering team cohesion and strategic discipline, underscoring the importance of treating every opponent with respect, particularly Benin Republic. "We will treat Benin with uttermost respect because this is football, where anything can happen, but this is our home," he asserted. The Super Eagles will face Benin Republic at 5 p.m. on September 7, followed by a challenging away fixture against Rwanda in Kigali three days later. Eguavoen has held a series of meetings with the players, encouraging them to remember their near-victory at the last AFCON and to channel that motivation into these qualifiers.
The Super Eagles' camp in Uyo has been filled with a mix of experienced internationals and promising talents, all eager to impress ahead of the qualifiers. Notable players like Captain William Troost-Ekong, Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman, and the England-based quartet of Ola Aina, Semi Ajayi, Taiwo Awoniyi, and Wilfred Ndidi commenced training on Monday. Other early arrivals include 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. On Tuesday, the camp saw the addition of Fulham duo Calvin Bassey and Alex Iwobi, as well as 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 has confirmed that new Sevilla signing Kelechi Iheanacho is expected to join the camp today, with Maduka Okoye and Victor Osimhen scheduled to arrive on Thursday. Eguavoen has emphasized the importance of every player's contribution and remains optimistic that with the right tactical approach and mental preparation, the Super Eagles will be victorious in their qualifiers and secure a place in the 2025 AFCON tournament. As the team continues to train rigorously, Nigerian fans remain hopeful that Eguavoen's confidence and strategic planning will translate into success on the pitch.
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