Ekong, Osimhen’s presence will make Eagles difficult to handle, says Maduka

Super Eagles’ Goalkeeper, Maduka Okoye, has said that the return of skipper William Troost-Ekong, and striker, Victor Osimhen, will make the team difficult for any African team to handle, including Benin Republic, who face Nigeria in their opening game of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying series tomorrow, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

Ekong and Osimhen missed the country’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers against South Africa, and Benin Republic in June this year.

While the Bafana Bafana held Nigeria to a 1-1 draw at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, the Cheetahs of Benin Republic shocked the Super Eagles with a 2-1 defeat that ultimately led to the exit of Coach Finidi George from the national team.

Speaking ahead of tomorrow’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Benin Republic, Maduka, who is also coming back to the team after a long absence, said the duo of Ekong and Osimhen have made the team stronger and scary to every team set to battle with Nigeria.

“Apart from their experience, these players are top-quality players, who will strengthen the team in many ways.

“For sure there are important players and we need them also in the team like Troost-Ekong and Osimhen. It’s good to have them back and for sure there will be a difference, not just for the team, but also for the nation,” he added.

He admitted that Benin Republic have shown that they are a strong team under Super Eagles’ former manager, Gernot Rohr.

He added, however, that the Eagles would beat them to the three points at stake.

He said the Cheetahs will be boosted mentally by their defeat of the Super Eagles in June, adding, however, that “we are getting prepared for this now, and for sure, we will get the win because these are very important qualifiers, and we have to be at our best and perform on our highest level.”

On a personal note, the Udinese goalkeeper said he is ready to fight for the number one position with current first-choice, Stanley Nwabali, and new boy, Amas Obasogie, a former Bendel Insurance goalkeeper, who has joined Fasil Ketema FC of Ethiopia.

He said: “Stanley proved that he is a top goalkeeper at the Africa Cup of Nations and for me, it is also great to share the pitch with them, you know, train together with them, and the very good goalkeeping coach and yeah, it is always good.”