Only Spain-based forward Umar Sadiq was yet to arrive as 22 Super Eagles players took to the field for their first training session at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny in Abidjan on Tuesday night.
The session marked the team’s preparation for their crucial Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Benin Republic on Thursday.
“We have 22 players, with one more expected early Wednesday. The atmosphere here in Abidjan has been fantastic, and we’re all in high spirits as we head into training,” head coach Austin Eguavoen told thenff.com.
Among those in camp were captain William Troost-Ekong, Victor Osimhen, and Ademola Lookman.
Defenders Bright Osayi-Samuel, Ola Aina, Victor Collins, and Calvin Bassey also arrived, alongside midfielders Alex Iwobi and Alhassan Yusuf. Germany-based striker Victor Boniface and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali joined the team later in the day.
Earlier arrivals included goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, midfielder Wilfred Ndidi, and forward Kelechi Iheanacho. They joined eight others who had been in camp since Monday: Amas Obasogie, Gabriel Osho, Bruno Onyemaechi, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Frank Onyeka, Raphael Onyedika, Moses Simon, and Samuel Chukwueze.
The Super Eagles top Group D with 10 points from four matches, scoring seven goals and conceding none.
Their strong form will boost their confidence as they return to a familiar ground where they excelled during the AFCON earlier this year, defeating Guinea-Bissau, Cameroon, and Angola.
However, the team will be wary of their last encounter at the venue, where they fell 2-1 to Benin in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.
“The stadium brings good memories from the AFCON, and we’ll focus on those positives. But we know Benin will be tough—they’re also fighting for qualification. Our goal is simple: three points,” Ekong said.
Thursday’s game kicks off at 8 p.m. Nigerian time. Senegalese referee Issa Sy, who officiated Nigeria’s quarter-final win over Angola at the last AFCON, will take charge, supported by compatriots Djibril Camara, Nouha Bangoura, and El Hadji Amadou Sy.
A point will secure Nigeria’s spot at the 2025 AFCON in Morocco, scheduled for December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.
