In a decisive move towards securing a spot in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Nigeria’s Super Eagles, under interim manager Augustine Eguavoen, are gearing up to capture all six points available in their upcoming qualifying matches. The team is set to face the Cheetahs of Benin Republic on Saturday, September 7, 2024, at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, followed by a clash with Rwanda’s Amavubi three days later in Kigali.
Speaking ahead of the fixtures, Eguavoen expressed the team’s unwavering commitment to achieving their objective. “Our goal is straightforward: to secure six points from both matches,” Eguavoen stated. He acknowledged the challenges ahead, emphasizing that no qualifying game should be underestimated, as all teams are vying for a place in the finals. Despite the difficult nature of the fixtures, Eguavoen assured that the players are aligned with the team’s mission and are fully prepared for the task.
The Super Eagles are buoyed by the return of several key players who were sidelined during the June FIFA World Cup qualifying matches. Among them is team captain William Ekong, who missed previous fixtures due to injury but has now resumed his role at the heart of the defense. Ekong, who was instrumental in Nigeria’s impressive run at the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year, is expected to provide strong leadership.
Also rejoining the squad is Victor Osimhen, the reigning African Player of the Year, who missed the June matches due to injury. Osimhen, recently signed by Turkish giants Galatasaray, is eager to make an impact and silence any doubts about his form. His return is anticipated to boost Nigeria’s attacking prowess.
Rapid-raider Moses Simon, another crucial player who was absent in June, will also be looking to make a significant contribution. Simon, along with defender Ola Aina, is back in the squad and ready to deliver strong performances.
In terms of squad selection, Eguavoen is likely to field goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, supported by a defensive line of Aina, Semi Ajayi, Ekong, and Bassey. The midfield could see a combination of Frank Onyeka, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Alhassan Yusuf, and Raphael Onyedika. Up front, the Super Eagles have a range of attacking options including Osimhen, Kelechi Iheanacho, Samuel Chukwueze, Simon, Taiwo Awoniyi, Victor Boniface, and Ademola Lookman.
Lookman, who recently featured in the list of 30 nominees for the Ballon d’Or, is expected to bring a heightened level of performance to the squad. His remarkable season with Atalanta FC, where he scored 17 goals and provided 11 assists, including a hat-trick in the Europa Cup final, has significantly elevated his profile.
The match against Benin Republic will kick off at 5:00 PM local time on Saturday, September 7, 2024, in Uyo. This fixture marks the beginning of a crucial phase in the Super Eagles’ qualification campaign, with the team aiming to build momentum for their subsequent encounter with Rwanda.
