Atotal of 10 Nigerian stars have touched down in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, as the Super Eagles gear up for their crucial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Benin on Thursday at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium.
The new arrivals include; goalkeeper Amas Obasogie, defenders Bruno Onyemaechi and newly invited Gabriel Osho, midfielders Raphael Onyedika, Frank Onyeka, and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, along with forwards Moses Simon and Samuel Chukwueze, are already in camp.
More invited players are expected to arrive throughout Tuesday as the team finalizes preparations. Under the guidance of interim coach Austin Eguavoen, Nigeria will be looking to clinch maximum points against Benin to solidify their position at the top of Group D and qualify for the competition in Morocco with a game to spare.
With 10 points from four unbeaten matches, Nigeria is on the brink of qualification. A draw in either of their final group game would be enough to secure a place in the 2025 AFCON in Morocco.
Benin, led by former Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr, is determined to secure a crucial victory over Nigeria to reignite their AFCON hopes. A win would not only boost their chances of qualifying for the 2025 tournament but also offer revenge for their 3-0 defeat to Nigeria in the opening qualifier.
With six points from four games, Benin must win to keep Rwanda at bay. A single point separates the two teams, making a victory imperative for the Cheetahs.
However, Nigeria’s recent record at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium is less than ideal. They suffered a heartbreaking loss to Ivory Coast in the 2023 AFCON final and were also defeated by Benin in a 2026 World Cup qualifier at the same venue.
