Morocco 2025: Eguavoen says Eagles determined to make great start in 2025 AFCON race

Posted : 06 September 2024

Interim manager Augustine Eguavoen has declared that Nigeria’s Super Eagles are raring to go for all six points available in this month’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against their counterparts from Benin Republic and Rwanda.

The reigning African vice-champions will clash with the Cheetahs of Benin Republic in Uyo on Saturday, Sept. 7, and then face Rwanda’s Amavubi in Kigali three days later.

“Our objective is clear: to pick up six points in both matches. The players know this and are committed to accomplishing it.

"The matches will not be easy; no qualifying game can be taken for granted because all teams want to play in the finals.

"However, we have spoken to the players, and we are all 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, which will put us in a good position for qualification."

Eguavoen has several stalwarts who are truly determined to appease fans and enthusiasts after missing the two FIFA World Cup qualifying matches in June, from which poor results have threatened the Eagles’ chances of reaching the 2026 finals.

AFCON’s Player of the Tournament, William Ekong, who is also the team captain, was overlooked for the ties against South Africa and Benin Republic as he was recovering from injury. He is now back at the heart of the defense to lead the three-time African champions in their hunt for points in another major tournament. Ekong scored three goals at the AFCON finals earlier this year.

Reigning African Player of the Year, Victor Osimhen, missed the two games in June, as did defender Ola Aina and star forward Moses Simon due to injury.

Osimhen recently signed for Turkish giants Galatasaray and will be keen to impress his new employers while dispelling talks of his rustiness.

The pacey Simon, who on his day can single-handedly dismantle the opposition, is also eager to once again don the green-white-green, just like Aina.

Eguavoen is most likely to start goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, with Aina, Semi Ajayi, Ekong, and Bassey at the back. Any three of Frank Onyeka, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Alhassan Yusuf, and Raphael Onyedika could start in midfield. Osimhen, Kelechi Iheanacho, Samuel Chukwueze, Simon, Taiwo Awoniyi, Victor Boniface, and Ademola Lookman are vying for positions in attack.

Lookman, who is among the 30 nominees for the Ballon d’Or, will walk with a greater spring in his step, and justifiably so.

He scored three crucial goals for Nigeria at the AFCON, and his 17 goals and 11 assists steered Atalanta FC to the Europa Cup final, where his hat-trick devastated German club Bayer Leverkusen.

Saturday’s match will kick off at 5 p.m. at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium.

Morocco 2025: Eguavoen says Eagles determined to make great start in 2025 AFCON race

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