Nigeria’s Super Eagles train in Abidjan ahead of crucial AFCON qualifier against Benin

Nigeria’s Super Eagles are gearing up for their highly anticipated Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Benin Republic, with 22 players now in camp ahead of Thursday’s match at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny in Abidjan.

The team began their preparations on Tuesday night with a training session, and only Spain-based forward Sadiq Umar is expected to join the squad on Wednesday morning.

Speaking to thenff.com, Coach Augustine Eguavoen expressed optimism about the team’s mood and readiness for the match. “We have 22 players here, with one more to join us tomorrow. The atmosphere in Abidjan has been fantastic, and we’re all excited for the first training session ahead of Thursday’s game,” he said.

On Tuesday, 11 players arrived, including Captain William Ekong, AFCON 2023’s Player of the Tournament Victor Osimhen, and forward Ademola Lookman. Defenders Bright Osayi-Samuel, Olaoluwa Aina, Victor Collins, and Calvin Bassey also made their way to camp, along with midfielders Alex Iwobi and Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi, as well as Germany-based forward Victor Boniface. South Africa-based goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali arrived shortly thereafter.

Other players had already joined camp earlier in the week. Goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, midfielder Wilfred Ndidi, and forward Kelechi Iheanacho arrived, joining the eight players who were already in camp on Monday: Amas Obasogie (goalkeeper), defenders Gabriel Osho and Bruno Onyemaechi, midfielders Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Frank Onyeka, and Raphael Onyedika, and forwards Moses Simon and Samuel Chukwueze.

Currently leading Group D with 10 points from four matches, having scored seven goals and conceded none, the Super Eagles are in confident spirits as they head into the match. The Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny is a venue with mixed memories for the Eagles, where they celebrated victories over Guinea-Bissau, Cameroon, and Angola in the 2023 AFCON earlier this year. However, it’s also where they suffered a 2-1 loss to the Cheetahs of Benin during a 2026 World Cup qualifier in the summer.

“We have good memories from the AFCON here, and we’ll focus on the positive results,” said Captain Ekong. “The Beninoise are also fighting for an AFCON spot, so it’s going to be a tough match. Our aim is clear: we want all three points.”

Thursday’s match will be officiated by Senegalese referee Issa Sy, who previously refereed the Super Eagles’ 1-0 victory over Angola in the AFCON quarter-finals. Sy will be assisted by Djibril Camara and Nouha Bangoura, with El Hadji Amadou Sy as the fourth official. Ivorian René Williams Sere will serve as the match commissioner, and Angolan Inácio Manuel Candido will act as the referee assessor.

The Super Eagles only need one point from Thursday’s clash to secure qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, scheduled to take place in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.