Spain-based forward Sadiq Umar is the only player yet to arrive as the Super Eagles began preparation ahead of a high-stakes Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Benin Republic on Thursday.
The squad of 22 players gathered for their first session at the familiar Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny yesterday.
“We have 22 players here, with one more expected by early Wednesday,” Coach Augustine Eguavoen told thenff.com yesterday.
Eleven players, including Captain and AFCON Player of the Tournament William Ekong, reigning African Player of the Year Victor Osimhen, and his likely successor Ademola Lookman, as well as defenders Bright Osayi-Samuel, Olaoluwa Aina, Victor Collins, and Calvin Bassey, midfielders Alex Iwobi and Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi, and Germany-based forward Victor Boniface, arrived together on yesterday morning. They were later joined by South Africa-based goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.
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Earlier arrivals included goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, midfielder Wilfred Ndidi, and forward Kelechi Iheanacho, who joined the eight players already in camp since Monday: goalkeeper Amas Obasogie, defenders Gabriel Osho and Bruno Onyemaechi, midfielders Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Frank Onyeka, and Raphael Onyedika, and forwards Moses Simon and Samuel Chukwueze.
With 10 points from four matches, seven goals scored, and none conceded, Nigeria currently tops Group D. The Super Eagles approach the match confidently at Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny, where earlier this year they defeated teams like Guinea-Bissau, Cameroon, and Angola at the 34th Africa Cup of Nations.
However, they will also recall their recent 2-1 World Cup qualifying loss at this venue to Benin, who have adopted Abidjan as their home ground due to stadium issues in their own country.
“The stadium is a familiar one for us and we have good memories from the AFCON. We will rather focus on the positive results we have taken away from here and work hard for another good day in the office on Thursday.
“It is not going to be easy because the Beninoise are also chasing a ticket to the final tournament. However, our objective is clear: three points on the night,” Captain Ekong said on Tuesday.
The Super Eagles need only one point from Thursday’s clash to be sure of a ticket to the 35th AFCON, scheduled for Morocco 21st December 2025 – 18th January 2026.
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