By Aaior K. Comfort

Seven players have reported to the Super Eagles camp in Uyo ahead of Nigeria’s crucial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying matches. The players, who arrived at 10 a.m. on Monday, are William Troost-Ekong, Ola Aina, Semi Ajayi, Ademola Lookman, Olisa Ndah, Taiwo Awoniyi, and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru. Nigeria’s first qualifier will see them face Benin Republic on Saturday, September 7, 2024, at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, with the match set to kick off at 5 p.m.

The 2025 AFCON qualifiers are vital for teams aiming to secure a spot in the tournament, scheduled to take place in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026. Nigeria’s campaign begins with their Group D match against Benin Republic, followed by a game against Rwanda in Kigali three days later.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) announced a 23-man squad for these qualifying matches last Tuesday. Interim manager Augustine Eguavoen, who stepped in after Finidi George’s resignation, will be supported by assistants Fidelis Ilechukwu and Daniel Ogunmodede. The Super Eagles are looking to make a strong comeback and secure their place in the 2025 AFCON tournament, aiming to avenge their 2-1 defeat to Benin Republic on June 10 during the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers.