Nigerian fans are expected to come out in droves in Uyo on Saturday as they head to Godswill Akpabio Stadium with excitement for the first match of the AFCON 2025 qualifier set to begin at 5 p.m.
Taiwo Awoniyi, a striker for the Super Eagles and Nottingham Forest FC, expressed his desire, along with his teammates, to get off to a great start at the 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco. He stated that the Eagles have what it takes to get off to a strong start and perform even better once they make it to the tournament.
Awoniyi said, “For us, it is something big when it comes to playing for the Super Eagles. I think we have what it takes to win every game in Africa. It is just about putting everything together and playing for the country with pride.”
Moses Simon, a winger for the Super Eagles, has emphasized how crucial it is for the team to defeat the Benin Republic’s Cheetahs. Simon told journalists that the team will do their best to please the fans.
“This is our job. We know what is at stake. Of course we lost against them 2-1; I believe we don’t want to lose against them. The guys know what they have to do to win. We don’t want to draw; we just want to play our game and do our best to win, to give a smile to Nigerians.
“You feel sad, especially when you’re in Nigeria watching the game; you can feel the tension and anger in people when you don’t win,” Simon said.
According to Maduka Okoye, it’s important that the Super Eagles begin their AFCON 2025 qualifier campaign victorious. The Udinese goalkeeper talking to reporters stated that the team must go all out for a win against Benin Republic. “It’s important we win because this is an important AFCON qualifier. We have to be at our best and play at our highest level, and what is most important is the victory for the team and for Nigeria.”
Wilfred Ndidi believes Nigeria will win despite the last defeat to Benin Republic’s Cheetahs
Following an outstanding performance at the AFCON 2023 finals, the Super Eagles have struggled. In their past five games, the three-time African champions have only won once. In their most recent meeting, which took place in June, Benin Republic defeated the Super Eagles 2-1.
After the Super Eagles’ previous loss to the Benin Republic’s Cheetahs, Wilfred Ndidi has promised that they will make things right. Ndidi, however, believes that this time, the outcome will be different.
Ndidi said, We, as players, know what we did the last time was really bad. The game was really bad, so it’s just what we are planning to do now to make everything right because everyone was disappointed in the first game. But there is no pressure to be honest because we know what we want to do. We know how we want to approach the game. We know mentally we are ready; we know physically we’re ready and fit to actually approach these games.
Benin Republic Coach Gernot Rohr believes his team will play better during the AFCON 2025 Qualifier against Nigeria
Prior to tomorrow’s highly anticipated AFCON 2025 qualifier between Benin and the Super Eagles, Benin coach Gernot Rohr said during the pre-match press conference that while having prior knowledge of his opponent is advantageous, it is not always simple. Before being dismissed and joining the Benin “Cheetahs,” the 71-year-old Rohr previously managed the three-time African champions for five years (2016–2021).
Rohr said, “For me, it’s important to know the conditions; we had a good trip here; they were here in 2019 and they lost, so it’s a motivation for them to come here to do better.”
“We know they have the better players; we don’t have the players in the big clubs like Nigeria. As a team, we have young players now, and I’m very optimistic that we can do something well.”
“We have our chance tomorrow because we know we are outsiders, but even to be an outsider can be an advantage,” he said.
“I hope that tomorrow the team will be able to be a good opponent for the Super Eagles.”
On Thursday, Victor Osimhen arrived in Uyo and reported to camp for Nigeria’s AFCON 2025 qualifier against Rwanda and Benin Republic. Osimhen had to finalize his transfer from Napoli to Galatasaray, which is why he arrived late.
The 2023 African best player of the year has immediately joined the other 22 players to intensify preparations for Saturday’s match. For Austin Eguavoen’s team, Osimhen would be expected to lead the line. Ademola Lookman of Atalanta, Taiwo Awoniyi of Nottingham Forest, and Victor Boniface of Bayer Leverkusen are the other options up front.
Ahead of their upcoming AFCON 2025 qualifier matches in Kigali at the Amahoro Stadium on September 10 against Rwanda and Benin tomorrow, the Super Eagles have all 23 of the invited players in camp.
The Nigeria vs. Benin Republic match will air on DSTV’s Supersport and Afro Sport.
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