Eight players, officials arrive as Eagles’ Abidjan camp opens

The Super Eagles started preparations for their Morocco 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Benin Republic, yesterday, with only eight players in camp.

The Cheetahs of Benin Republic will host the Super Eagles at the Houphoet Boigny Stadium, on Thursday, with the Eagles needing a draw to join the list of qualified teams for Africa’s top football championship.

The team’s coaches and backroom staff arrived in Abidjan, on Sunday, aboard an Air Cote d’Ivoire flight, while the players started trickling in yesterday.

According to the Director of Media, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ademola Olajire, only eight players arrived at the camp at dinner time, yesterday, while the rest of the players are expected in today.

According to reports, Interim Manager, Augustine Eguavoen, who recently returned from a medical leave in Belgium, arrived in the Ivorian capital on Sunday to oversee preparations, and by yesterday morning, he was joined by two early arrivals.

Among the eight players in camp are Nasarawa United’s Victor Collins, who flew in with the coaches and the NFF officials, and New England Revolution midfielder, Alhassan Yusuf.
While Nigeria, who lead Group D with 10 points, needs a draw to seal its passage to Morocco, the Benin Republic must beat the Eagles and also win their last game against Libya to cut.

After Thursday’s game in Abidjan, the Super Eagles will return to Uyo for their last game of the qualifying series against Rwanda, on November 18.