Super Eagles Gear Up For AFCON Qualifiers With Eight Early Arrivals In Abidjan

Ahead of their upcoming AFCON qualifiers against Benin Republic and Rwanda, Moses Simon and Samuel Chukwueze were among the first players to arrive at the Super Eagles’ camp in Côte d’Ivoire on Monday, as they began preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that six other players—Amas Obasogie, Raphael Onyedika, Frank Onyeka, Bruno Onyemaechi, Gabriel Osho, and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru—also arrived in Abidjan on Monday. The Super Eagles’ media officer confirmed the report, stating that a total of eight players had arrived, with additional players expected on Tuesday.

In total, 23 players were invited for the qualifiers, including Captain William Ekong, Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, and the reigning African Player of the Year, Victor Osimhen.

The Super Eagles’ camp officially opened in Abidjan on Monday ahead of their matchup against the Benin Republic, known as the Cheetahs, which is set for Thursday at Stade Felix-Houphouet-Boigny. The team is scheduled to fly to Uyo on Friday, where they will complete their qualifying campaign with a game against Rwanda’s Amavubi at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on Monday.

Currently leading Group D, the Super Eagles need just one point from their match against the Cheetahs to secure a place in the tournament, which would take them to 11 points. Only Rwanda, their final opponent, could potentially match this tally.

The Super Eagles hold an impressive record with seven goals scored and none conceded, partly due to the CAF Disciplinary Board awarding them three points and three goals from a cancelled match against Libya. Rwanda trails with a single goal and five points, keeping them just within reach as the final matchdays approach.