Eguavoen: Eagles will make strong start in 2025 AFCON race

Interim manager, Augustine Eguavoen, has announced that Nigeria’s Super Eagles are fully prepared to secure all six points in this month’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Benin Republic and Rwanda. The reigning African vice champions will face the Cheetahs of Benin Republic in Uyo on Saturday, 7th September, before travelling to Kigali […]

Interim manager, Augustine Eguavoen, has announced that Nigeria’s Super Eagles are fully prepared to secure all six points in this month’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Benin Republic and Rwanda.

The reigning African vice champions will face the Cheetahs of Benin Republic in Uyo on Saturday, 7th September, before travelling to Kigali for a showdown with Rwanda’s Amavubi three days later.

“Our objective is clear: to pick the six points in both matches. The players know this, and are committed to accomplishing this. The matches will not be easy; no qualifying game can be taken for granted because all the teams want to play in the finals. However, we have spoken to the players and all of us are on the same page.

“Starting with the match against Benin Republic on Saturday, nobody is mentioning anything about revenge. Our goal is three points, and then we aim for another three points in Kigali on Tuesday that will put us in good stead for qualification.”

• It was an easy decision to accept Galatasaray –Osimhen
• Colombia 2024: Falconets fall 3-1 to Germany in Bogota

Eguavoen has several key players eager to make amends for missing the two FIFA World Cup qualifying matches in June, where disappointing results put the Super Eagles’ hopes for the 2026 finals at risk.

AFCON’s Player of the Tournament, William Ekong, who also captains the team, missed the clashes against South Africa and Benin Republic due to injury. Now fully fit, Ekong returns to lead the three-time African champions, aiming to secure crucial points. He was instrumental at the AFCON earlier this year, netting three goals.

Reigning African Player of the Year, Victor Osimhen, along with defender Ola Aina and star forward Moses Simon, also missed the June fixtures due to injury. Osimhen, having just signed with Turkish giants Galatasaray, is eager to showcase his skills and shake off any doubts about his form.

Simon, known for his explosive pace and ability to dismantle defenses, is equally eager to don the green and white jersey once again, alongside Aina.

Saturday’s match will kick off at 5pm inside the Godswill Akpabio Stadium.