Moses Simon and Samuel Chukwueze were among the early arrivals at the Super Eagles camp in Abidjan on Monday, ahead of Nigeria’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Benin Republic.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, six additional players also made their way to the Ivorian capital on the same day.
Amas Obasogie, Raphael Onyedika, Frank Onyeka, Bruno Onyemaechi, Gabriel Osho, and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru joined the camp, marking the beginning of preparations for the crucial match.
A spokesperson for the Super Eagles confirmed to NAN that at least eight players had reported to camp, with others expected to arrive on Tuesday.
Captain William Ekong, Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, reigning Africa Player of the Year Victor Osimhen, and 19 other players have been invited for the final qualifying fixtures this month.
The Super Eagles are aiming to secure maximum points in their final group matches against Benin Republic and Rwanda in the ongoing 2025 AFCON qualification campaign.
The team officially opened camp in Abidjan on Monday, with their match against the Cheetahs of Benin Republic scheduled for Thursday at the Stade Felix-Houphouet-Boigny.
The Eagles will then travel to Uyo on Friday for their final qualifier against the Amavubi of Rwanda, set for Monday at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium.
Currently leading Group D, the Super Eagles are in a strong position to qualify for the final tournament.
A draw against Benin Republic would see them reach 11 points, leaving only Rwanda as a potential challenger for qualification.
With a perfect record of seven goals scored and none conceded, thanks to the CAF Disciplinary Board’s decision to award Nigeria three points and three goals from the abandoned Matchday 4 encounter with Libya, the Super Eagles are well placed to secure their spot in next year’s AFCON finals.
Rwanda, on the other hand, enters the final rounds with just five points and a one-goal deficit.
NAN
