Julius OkorieSuper Eagles are rearing to go as they shape up for their AFCON qualifier against Cheetahs of Benin Republic at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan on Thursday.
Coach Austin Eguavoen had earlier announced a strong 23-man squad that also includes returnee, free- scoring Victor Osimhen who has been doing a good job for his Turkish side Galatasaray.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelAlso set to shine for Eagles is 14th place Ballon d Or finisher and Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman who is leading the pack in this year’s African Footballer of the year.
The Eagles are getting back into action after the botched return leg match against Libya that nonetheless fetched the team three goals and three points.
An elated Eguavoen who as usual with being assisted by the duo of Rangers Coach Fidelis Ilechukwu and Remo Stars Coach Daniel Ogunmodede, is happy with the atmosphere and high spirit in camp ahead of the match.
“We have 22 players ready and only one more will join us on Wednesday morning. The environment here in Abidjan is fantastic, and we are all looking forward to a productive first training session as we prepare for the match.”
With 10 points already in the kitty the Eagles are only thinking of consolidation as the aim for a photo-finish to qualification for the 2025 AFCON in Morocco. Captain of the side, William Troost-Ekong, is hopeful that Abidjan as usual will produce fruitful result.
“Our familiarity with the stadium gives us a psychological advantage, and we aim to carry forward the positive experiences we’ve had here. Our focus is on preparing diligently for another successful outing on Thursday, “he enthused.
READ ALSO :Cheetahs Shock Eagles In Abidjan, Run Away With 2-1 Victory
Recall that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has earlier appointed Senegalese referee, Issa Sy, to oversee Thursday’s encounter. He will be assisted by Djibril Camara, Nouha Bangoura, and fourth official, El Hadji Amadou Sy.
When Eagles hosted Cheetahs of Benin Republic being handled by former Super Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr, in Uyo, it ended 3-0 in favour of Super Eagles with Ademola Lookman grabbing a brace, while Victor Osimhen increased the tally.
Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan is Cheetahs home ground. The Eagles will after the Cheetah’s tie return to host Amavubi of Rwanda in the last lap of the qualifiers at the Nest of Champions, Uyo, on November 18.
Meanwhile, Cheetahs Coach, Gernot Rohr, is refusing to bask in euphoria of 2-1 defeat of the Eagles way back in June in the World Cup qualifier, under former Coach Finidi George. A lot of water according to the German tactician has passed under the bridge since then and the Eagles a back in full strength
“Repeating the feat of June is going to be complicated because Nigeria is now at full strength. But we believe in it,” Rohr stated during an interview with Foot Africa.
Rohr is however faced with challenge of missing some of his key players, which may make his dream of repeating the feat achieved in June dead on arrival.
The Cheetahs will be without Cedric Hountondji, Olivier Verdon, Matteo Ahlinvi, and David Kiki. Despite these challenges, Rohr remains positive about his team’s ability to adapt and compete.
“While we would have preferred to have Cedric and Olivier with us, we are prepared to move forward without them,” he told Joueurs Beninois.
Benin Republic are currently second on the table with six points, while Rwanda occupy the third place with five points.
Julius Okorie is Chief Sports and Entertainment Correspondent for Prime Business Africa. He began his journalism career with the Champion Newspaper and Sporting Champion and later moved on to Daily Independent and the Nation Newspapers. Okorie joined Prime Business Africa in 2024 bringing on board 20 years of experience in writing investigative news on Sports and Entertainment. His well researched and highly informative articles on Sports Business and general entertainment are followed by a wide range of audience.
