As the Super Eagles of Nigeria prepare for their crucial Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match against Benin Republic on Thursday, the atmosphere within their camp is electric.
The team, led by Coach Augustine Eguavoen, arrived in Abidjan on Tuesday, ahead of their first training session, which sets the tone for what promises to be a high-stakes encounter at the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny.
A Solid Start to the Campaign
Nigeria’s journey in Group D of the AFCON qualifiers has been nothing short of impressive so far. The Super Eagles have dominated their opening matches, securing 10 points from four games, scoring seven goals and conceding none.
Their dominant form has seen them top their group, putting them in a strong position to qualify for the tournament in 2025.
The upcoming clash against Benin Republic is a significant hurdle, as the Cheetahs, though struggling, are also in the race for qualification and will be fighting for every point they can get.
Team Arrivals and Preparations
On Tuesday morning, the Nigerian camp saw the arrival of 11 players, including the captain, William Ekong, Africa’s reigning Player of the Year, Victor Osimhen, and his likely successor, Ademola Lookman.
These key players will be crucial to the Eagles’ chances of securing all three points against Benin Republic.
Joining them were defenders Bright Osayi-Samuel, Olaoluwa Aina, Victor Collins, and Calvin Bassey, midfielders Alex Iwobi and Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi, and forward Victor Boniface, who is based in Germany.
They were quickly followed by South Africa-based goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, bringing the total number of players in the camp to 22 ahead of the team’s first training session.
Earlier arrivals included goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, midfielder Wilfred Ndidi, and forward Kelechi Iheanacho, who joined the eight players already in camp from 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.
Despite the diverse backgrounds of the players, from the Premier League to the Bundesliga and various African leagues, the unity within the camp is evident, and Coach Eguavoen was quick to highlight the positive atmosphere in Abidjan.
“We have 22 players, with only one person to join the team in the early hours of Wednesday. It has been a particularly great atmosphere here in Abidjan, and we are all very positive going into the first training session ahead of the match,” Eguavoen shared with thenff.com.
The Significance of Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny
For the Super Eagles, the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny holds a special place in their recent history. It was here that they triumphed in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, beating Guinea Bissau, Cameroon, and Angola en route to the finals. The memories of their success at the stadium in Cote d’Ivoire earlier this year have fueled optimism within the squad.
However, their history at the venue has not been entirely flawless. In the summer of 2024, Nigeria faced a setback at the same stadium during a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Benin Republic.
Despite taking an early lead, the Super Eagles were defeated 2-1 by the Cheetahs in a game that was marred by several controversial decisions.
Captain Ekong, however, remains confident. “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,” Ekong said.
Benin Republic’s Challenge
Though they are not one of Africa’s football powerhouses, Benin Republic has always proven to be a tough opponent. The Cheetahs are well aware of the importance of the match, as they chase a spot in the upcoming AFCON tournament.
The Beninese are known for their resilience, and the Super Eagles cannot afford to underestimate them, despite the apparent gulf in quality between the two sides.
Eguavoen, who has emphasized the importance of focusing on the task at hand, noted that despite Benin’s underdog status, the match would not be easy.
“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,” Eguavoen declared.
The Importance of Experience and Key Players
Nigeria’s squad is a mix of experience and youthful energy, with several players taking center stage in the European leagues.
Captain William Ekong, who was pivotal in Nigeria’s AFCON campaign earlier in the year, will be key to ensuring the defense remains solid against the Beninese attackers.
The leadership of Ekong, combined with the attacking prowess of Osimhen, Lookman, and Simon, makes Nigeria a formidable side on paper.
Victor Osimhen, the Napoli striker, has been in scintillating form for both club and country, and his goalscoring exploits will be crucial if Nigeria is to extend their unbeaten run in the qualifiers.
Ademola Lookman, who has been impressing in the Serie A, will be expected to partner Osimhen in attack, while Moses Simon’s pace and creativity on the wing will be another weapon in Nigeria’s arsenal.
In midfield, Wilfred Ndidi’s ability to break up play and distribute the ball effectively will be key, while Alex Iwobi’s vision and technical ability could be the difference-maker when Nigeria looks to control possession.
Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi, who has impressed since his call-up, will also be looking to showcase his talents in this critical match.
Match Details and Referee Appointment
The highly anticipated clash will take place on Thursday at 7:00 PM local time (8:00 PM Nigeria time) at the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny in Abidjan.
Senegalese referee Issa Sy, who officiated Nigeria’s 1-0 win over Angola in the AFCON quarter-finals, has been appointed to officiate the match.
He will be assisted by compatriots Djibril Camara and Nouha Bangoura as assistant referees, with El Hadji Amadou Sy serving as the fourth official.
Ivorian Rene Williams Sere will oversee the match as the commissioner, and Angolan Inacio Manuel Candido has been assigned as the referee assessor for the game.
With the Super Eagles looking to maintain their perfect record in the qualifiers, all eyes will be on Thursday’s encounter as Nigeria aims to take another step towards securing their place in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The match against Benin Republic could prove to be a defining moment in their campaign as they look to solidify their status as one of Africa’s football giants.
