Interim Super Eagles coach, Austin Eguavoen, has expressed optimism as 20 players reported to camp ahead of their crucial Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against the Republic of Benin and Rwanda, according to The PUNCH.
The three-time African champions are gearing up to face the Cheetahs of Benin on September 7, followed by a match against the Amavubi of Rwanda on September 10.
The Super Eagles players began arriving at their Uyo camp on Monday, with notable arrivals including captain William Troost-Ekong, Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman, and a strong contingent of England-based players such as Ola Aina, Semi Ajayi, Taiwo Awoniyi, and Wilfred Ndidi. Other arrivals included South Africa-based goalkeepers Olisa Ndah and Stanley Nwabali, Bayer Leverkusen’s Victor Boniface, Lazio’s Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, and former Bendel Insurance goalkeeper Amas Obasogie.
By Tuesday, additional players joined the camp, including Fulham’s Calvin Bassey and Alex Iwobi, Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Raphael Onyedika, Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi, Bruno Onyemaechi, Frank Onyeka, and Benjamin Tanimu, who was called up to replace the injured Bright Osayi-Samuel.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed that new Sevilla signing Kelechi Iheanacho is expected to join the camp today, while Maduka Okoye and star striker Victor Osimhen are due to arrive on Thursday.
Eguavoen, who stepped in as interim coach after German coach Bruno Labbadia turned down the role last Tuesday, expressed confidence in the team’s prospects for the upcoming matches.
“Nigeria is a nation that, in terms of football, a lot of countries respect, and there is no difference in this one,” Eguavoen stated. “I am very confident that we will scale through these two games and beyond. We have the players, personnel, and support.”
Eguavoen emphasized the importance of reminding the players of their potential, noting, “They were almost African champions a few months ago, so what went wrong? They are still the same players; we will do everything we need to do as a technical crew and, of course, as a federation.”
He added, “We will treat Benin with the utmost respect because this is football, where anything can happen, but this is our home.”
The Super Eagles held their first training session in Uyo on Tuesday evening, with Eguavoen being assisted by Fidelis Ilechukwu and Daniel Ogunmodede, as confirmed by NFF Director of Communications, Ademola Olajire.
