Benin Republic vs Nigeria: Excitement as Super Eagles camp opens with Eguavoen joined by two players

Nigeria's Super Eagles and Augustine Eguavoen (Photo Credit: Pendrops/X)

Benin Republic vs Nigeria: Excitement as Super Eagles camp opens with Eguavoen joined by two players

Ayoola Kelechi 17:13 - 11.11.2024

The Super Eagles have reportedly started arriving for their crunch AFCON qualifiers against Benin Republic

As Nigeria gears up for a crucial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Benin Republic, the Super Eagles camp has officially opened in Abidjan as the Super Eagles aim to seal a place in Morocco 2025.

Interim manager Augustine Eguavoen, recently returning from a medical leave in Belgium, arrived in the Ivorian capital on Sunday to oversee preparations, and by Monday morning, he was joined by two early arrivals.

Super Eagles camp officially opens

Defender Victor Collins from Nasarawa United and New England Revolution midfielder Alhassan Yusuf were reportedly the first players to answer the national call and were welcomed warmly by the coaching staff.

Alhassan Yusuf at the AFCON 2023. (Photo Credit: Pooja Media/X)

Collins, the only home-based player in the 23-man squad, is experiencing his first senior call-up and hope to add fresh depth to Nigeria’s defence under Eguavoen, while Yusuf brings his experience to a stacked midfield ready to make an impact against Benin Republic.

The rest of the Super Eagles squad is expected to arrive by Monday evening, with training sessions scheduled to commence on Tuesday.

Super Eagles squad || Imago

Eguavoen and his backroom team are optimistic about fielding a fully prepared squad for Thursday’s game, which has major implications for Nigeria’s AFCON campaign.

Super Eagles inches from AFCON Qualification

Nigeria enters Thursday’s fixture at the top of Group D with ten points after being granted three points and three goals by CAF for their ordeal in Libya last month.

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While they currently hold a five-point lead over Rwanda in third place, the Super Eagles still need at least a point from their final two games of the qualifying series to seal a place in the top two of the group and qualify for the 2025 AFCON in Morocco.

A draw against Benin Republic in Abidjan would put them out of reach of any competition, allowing them to approach their final group-stage match against Rwanda with qualification assured.

Calvin Bassey (left) and Ademola Lookman (middle) in the Super Eagles.

Following the Benin game, the Super Eagles will travel back to Nigeria on a chartered flight to Uyo, where they will host Rwanda on November 18 at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium.