AFCON 2025Q: Okoye, Osimhen to arrive two days before Benin clash

Super Eagles stars Victor Osimhen and Frank Onyeka | Imago

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New Super Eagles head coach Bruno Labbadia has called up Osimhen and 22 others for Nigeria's upcoming AFCON qualifiers against Benin Republic and Rwanda

AFCON 2025Q: Okoye, Osimhen to arrive two days before Benin clash

Ayoola Kelechi 16:54 - 03.09.2024

The Super Eagles stars will have only two days to meet up with their teammates ahead of the crucial AFCON 2025 qualifier against Benin Republic

Ahead of Ngieria’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match against the Cheetahs of Benin Republic, the Super Eagles’s preparations are in full swing in Uyo, with 20 players already in camp.

With training already underway in camp, the Super Eagles will have to wait for the arrival of their remaining stars, including key players Maduka Okoye and Victor Osimhen, who are expected to join the team on Thursday.

Super Eagles intensify preparations in Uyo

The Super Eagles commenced their training in Uyo on Monday morning, with 20 players arriving already to take part in Tuesday's evening training session.

Super Eagles' vice captain William Troost-Ekong
Super Eagles' defender William Troost-Ekong | Imago

Captain William Troost-Ekong led the early arrivals, setting the tone for a determined camp ahead of the two 2025 AFCON qualifiers.

The squad features a mix of seasoned internationals and emerging talents, all eager to secure a spot in the starting lineup for the crucial first AFCON qualifying match against Benin.

Ola Aina and Simon Adingra in the AFCON 2023 final | TV5MONDE

Defenders Ola Aina, Semi Ajayi, and Olisa Ndah were among the first to arrive, joined by midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and forwards Ademola Lookman and Taiwo Awoniyi. Other key players like Wilfred Ndidi, Victor Boniface, Alex Iwobi, Benjamin Tanimu, and Bruno Onyemaechi have also added depth to the squad with their arrivals.

Okoye and Osimhen set for Thursday arrival

While the majority of the squad has already reported for duty, the Super Eagles are still awaiting the arrival of three important players.

Maduka Okoye returns for Super Eagles || Imago

Sevilla forward Kelechi Iheanacho is expected to join the camp on Wednesday, with Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye and star striker Victor Osimhen, who recently completed a loan move to Galatasaray, set to arrive on Thursday, just two days before the match against Benin.

Given the little time between the opening of the camp and the match against Benin, there are worries that the team will have little time to gel with the late arrivals before facing the Cheetahs, but fans of the Super Eagles will be confident of securing a vital victory towards AFCON qualification.

Napoli striker Victor Osimhen failed in his quest to leave the club this summer. | Imago

Following the match against Benin, the Super Eagles will head to Kigali on Sunday to face the Amavubi of Rwanda on Tuesday for their Matchday 2 clash.