Seven Super Eagles players have arrived in Uyo ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Benin’s Cheetahs. The players who landed in Uyo at 10 am include Nottingham Forest duo Taiwo Awoniyi and Ola Aina, Lazio’s Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, William Troost Ekong, West Bromwich Albion defender Semi Ajayi, Olisa Ndah, and Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman.
Awoniyi and Aina make their return to the national squad after missing the previous 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin, as well as friendly matches against Mali and Ghana earlier this year. Troost-Ekong is also back in the fold, having last featured for the Super Eagles in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final against Ivory Coast.
This is Olisa Ndah’s first call-up since playing in the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations group stage match against Guinea Bissau. Ajayi and Lookman have been consistent figures in the squad throughout the year, although their club fortunes have differed. Lookman has not featured for Atalanta since their UEFA Super Cup loss to Real Madrid, while Ajayi has been a regular for West Bromwich Albion.
The Super Eagles, led by coach Austin Eguavoen, will kick off their qualifiers against Benin on Saturday at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
Editorial
The arrival of key Super Eagles players in Uyo signals the beginning of a crucial phase in Nigeria’s quest for success in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. The return of seasoned players like Taiwo Awoniyi, Ola Aina, and William Troost Ekong brings experience and stability to the squad, while the inclusion of young talents like Fisayo Dele Bashiru and Olisa Ndah showcases the team’s depth and future potential.
Coach Austin Eguavoen faces the challenge of blending these diverse talents into a cohesive unit capable of overcoming their opponents. The match against Benin is more than just a qualifier it’s a test of the Super Eagles’ readiness to reclaim their status as one of Africa’s football powerhouses. With the Godswill Akpabio Stadium expected to be filled with passionate fans, the atmosphere will be electric, and the stakes high.
As we look forward to the game, it’s essential to recognize the significance of these qualifiers. The path to the Africa Cup of Nations is fraught with challenges, but with the right preparation and mindset, this Super Eagles squad has the potential to excel. The blend of experience and youthful energy in the team could be the key to unlocking a successful campaign.
Did You Know?
- Taiwo Awoniyi and Ola Aina were both key figures in Nigeria’s squad during the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations but have been absent from the team due to injuries and club commitments.
- William Troost-Ekong has been a mainstay in the Super Eagles’ defence since 2015 and captained the team during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
- The Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo has a seating capacity of 30,000 and is one of the premier football venues in Nigeria.
- Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, a rising star at Lazio, is seen as one of the future leaders of the Super Eagles midfield.
- The Super Eagles have won the Africa Cup of Nations three times, with their most recent victory coming in 2013 under coach Stephen Keshi.
