Eguavoen Confident As Super Eagles Aim For Turn Around In 2025 AFCON Qualifiers.
Interim manager Augustine Eguavoen has expressed confidence in the Super Eagles’ readiness as they prepare for their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying matches against Benin Republic and Rwanda. Eguavoen is determined to lead Nigeria to victory in both fixtures, emphasising the team’s objective of securing all six points.
The Super Eagles, African vice-champions, will first face the Cheetahs of Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Saturday, 7th September, before travelling to Kigali to take on Rwanda’s Amavubi three days later.
“Our objective is clear: to pick the six points in both matches,” Eguavoen said. “The players are fully aware of this, and they are committed to making it happen. While no qualifying match is easy, we are all aligned on the importance of these games.”
The team is looking to make amends for disappointing results in June’s FIFA World Cup qualifying matches, which put their 2026 World Cup hopes in jeopardy. Key players, including captain William Troost-Ekong, missed those matches due to injury but are now back in action. Troost-Ekong, who scored three goals at the AFCON finals earlier this year, will return to marshal the defence.
Reigning African Player of the Year Victor Osimhen, who recently signed for Turkish giants Galatasaray, is also eager to return to the national team after missing the June qualifiers. Wingers Ola Aina and Moses Simon, both back from injury, are ready to prove their form once again, with Simon expected to be a key attacking threat.
Eguavoen is likely to start goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, supported by a strong defensive line featuring Aina, Semi Ajayi, Troost-Ekong, and Calvin Bassey. Midfield options include Frank Onyeka, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Alhassan Yusuf, and Raphael Onyedika. Up front, the likes of Osimhen, Kelechi Iheanacho, Samuel Chukwueze, Taiwo Awoniyi, Victor Boniface, and Ademola Lookman will compete for starting positions.
Lookman, who was recently named among the 30 nominees for the 2024 Ballon d’Or, will be walking with renewed confidence after his stellar performances at AFCON and for Atalanta FC, where he played a pivotal role in leading the club to the Europa Cup final.
The Super Eagles are focused on taking three points from their clash with Benin Republic before heading to Kigali to continue their qualification campaign. Saturday’s match will kick off at 5pm at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium.
