Former Super Eagles coach, Augustine Eguaveon, believes that the current Super Eagles’ squad, led by Jose Peseiro, has the potential to win the 2024 African Cup of Nations next year in Cote d’Ivoire.
 
His optimism is hinged on the premise that “Nigeria has the best crop of players in Africa.”  Eguavoen, who is the head of Nigeria Football Federation’s (NFF) technical department, also believes that the level of commitment displayed by Super Eagles’ players in warm up games, as well as their dedication to national duty indicate their determination to the competition in Cote d’Ivoire.
 
According to the former Super Eagles’ captain, winning next year’s AFCON is a must for the Super Eagles because it would show the world that Nigeria is still a force to reckon with in international football.
 
“The Eagles are 100 per cent focused on winning the 2024 AFCON. At the last edition of the championship in Cameroon in which I was in charge of the team, we gave a good fight to get for the trophy, but eventually the team could not. This time, the lessons have been learnt and as you can see, the Eagles have quality players doing well in their various clubs. They are eager to win the AFCON next year,” he said.
 
Meanwhile, Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has congratulated Bendel Insurance Goalkeeper, Amas Obasogie, on his invitation to the Super Eagles ahead of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Zimbabwe.
 
The 23-year-old Obasogie was called up by the Super Eagles coach, Jose Peseiro to replace Maduka Okoye. He will compete with Francis Uzoho (Omonia Nicosia) and Olorunleke Ojo (Enyimba) for a starting shirt in this month’s internationals.
 
In a statement, Obaseki said, “I heartily congratulate our own dear Bendel Insurance Goalkeeper, Amas Obasogie, on his call-up to the national team, the Super Eagles, ahead of the FIFA World Cup qualifying games against Lesotho and Zimbabwe.
 
“With great agility, resilience, and excellent command in the air, Obasogie is unarguably one of the best shot-stoppers in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) with an outstanding record of six clean sheets in seven matches this season and an impressive run which saw Bendel Insurance sustain a 26-game unbeaten streak last season.
 
“He has continued to give an excellent account of himself, showcasing his prowess, exceptional talent, and the indomitable Edo spirit, putting the state on the global map for good.
 
“This is indeed another win for our sustained investment in the Sports sector in Edo, with a keen focus on returning Bendel Insurance to its rightful place as a home for national team players. He is the second Bendel Insurance player to be called up to the national team in a space of one year.

“We are proud of his accomplishments and genius and wish him success in this new and exciting chapter of his football career even as we are confident that he will continue to shine and bring more laurels and glory to the state and Nigeria.”
  
Obaseki’s comments came just as the NFF disclosed, yesterday, that 22 players have arrived in the Super Eagles camp ahead of their 2026 World Cup qualification games, which start tomorrow.
 
The arrival of Kelechi Iheanacho, Francis Uzoho, Jamilu Collins, Olorunleke Ojo, Sadiq Umar and Kenneth Omeruo had earlier been confirmed. They have now been joined by Fulham duo Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey, Nottingham Forest pair Taiwo Awoniyi and Ola Aina, Bayer Leverkusen forwards Victor Boniface and Nathan Tella and Boavista defenders, Bruno Onyemaechi and Chidozie Awaziem.
 
Completing the list of players in camp are Bright Osayi-Samuel, (Fenerbahce), Frank Onyeka (Brentford), Semi Ajayi (West Brom) Joe Aribo (Southampton), Moses Simon (Nantes), Ademola Lookman (Atalanta), Terem Moffi (OGC Nice) and Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge).
 
The only absentee as at yesterday’s afternoon was Obasogie, who received a late call-up yesterday to replace Maduka Okoye. Nigeria have been drawn in Group C of the Africa World Cup qualifiers alongside South Africa, Benin, Zimbabwe, Rwanda and Lesotho.
 
They will kick off their qualification series against the Crocodiles of Lesotho tomorrow and then face Zimbabwe three days later. The double header will also be the last competitive matches for the Super Eagles before the start of the Africa Cup of Nations next year.