Super Eagles Assemble For First Training Ahead Of High-Stakes Benin Encounter

Super Eagles Assemble For First Training Ahead Of High-Stakes Benin Encounter

The Super Eagles of Nigeria are preparing for their first training session at the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny in Abidjan, ahead of their highly anticipated Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Benin Republic this Thursday. The squad will soon be complete with the arrival.…CONTINUE RAEDING…

of Spain-based forward Sadiq Umar, bringing the total number of players to 22.

Coach Augustine Eguavoen expressed his excitement about the upcoming training, stating, “We have 22 players ready, and one more will join us on Wednesday morning. The atmosphere here in Abidjan is fantastic, and we are all looking forward to a productive session as we prepare for the match.”

The team will feature a strong lineup, including captain William Ekong, reigning Africa Player of the Year Victor Osimhen, and a host of seasoned players such as Ademola Lookman, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Olaoluwa Aina, Victor Collins, Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi, and Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi. Additionally, Germany-based forward Victor Boniface and South Africa-based goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali arrived earlier today.

Other key arrivals include goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, midfielder Wilfred Ndidi, forward Kelechi Iheanacho, goalkeeper Amas Obasogie, defenders Gabriel Osho and Bruno Onyemaechi, midfielders Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Frank Onyeka, and Raphael Onyedika, as well as forwards Moses Simon and Samuel Chukwueze.

With a perfect defensive record and 10 points from their first four matches, the Super Eagles head into the match with confidence. The Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny has been a familiar and successful venue for the team, particularly during their impressive performances at the 2023 AFCON.

“Our familiarity with the stadium gives us a psychological edge, and we aim to build on our positive experiences here,” Captain Ekong said. He acknowledged that Benin would pose a challenge, but reaffirmed, “Our goal is to secure three points from this match.”

CAF has appointed Senegalese referee Issa Sy to officiate the game, which will kick off at 7 PM CIV time (8 PM Nigeria time). His team includes assistants Djibril Camara, Nouha Bangoura, and fourth official El Hadji Amadou Sy.