Nigeria – Troost-Ekong, Lookman, Arrive Early in Eagles Camp for AFCON Qualifiers

By Onoja Baba, Abuja, Nigeria

Super Eagles captain, William Troost-Ekong, Atlanta forward Ademola Lookman, and a host of other international stars have arrived early at the team’s camp in Uyo for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Benin Republic and Rwanda.

Troost-Ekong, who recently signed with Saudi Pro League club Al-Kholood, joined Nottingham Forest duo Ola Aina and Taiwo Awoniyi, Leicester City’s Wilfred Ndidi, and South Africa-based defender Semi Ajayi among the initial arrivals.

The players have reportedly camped on Monday, ahead of the two key fixtures. The Super Eagles will host the Cheetahs of Benin Republic on 7th September, at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo before travelling to Kigali to face the Amuvabi of Rwanda on 10th September.

According to the Super Eagles’ media team, 11 players have arrived at camp as of Monday evening, with more players expected to join by Tuesday morning.

Among the early arrivals were Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface, South Africa-based goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, Lazio midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, and former Bendel Insurance goalkeeper Amas Obasogie.

Still expected to arrive in Uyo are Napoli’s unsettled striker, Victor Osimhen, Fulham’s defensive duo Calvin Bassey and Alex Iwobi, Nantes winger Moses Simon, AC Milan forward Samuel Chukweze, Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, Club Brugge midfielder Raphael Onyedika, and Leicester City striker Kelechi Iheanacho.

Other players, including Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, and Brentford midfielder Frank Onyeka, are also expected to arrive shortly.

Troost-Ekong is returning to the national team for the first time since leading Nigeria to the final of the 2023 AFCON in February.

Awoniyi and Aina, who missed the 2026 World Cup qualifiers last month, are also making their comebacks, as is Olisa Ndah, who is back in the squad after his last invitation during the 2022 AFCON.

The team will be led by Augustine Eguavoen, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Technical Director, following the refusal of German coach Bruno Labbadia, who was appointed last Tuesday, to accept the role. Eguavoen will be assisted by Fidelis Ilechukwu and Daniel Ogunmodede, as confirmed by NFF Director of Communications Ademola Olajire.

Having finished second in the 2023 AFCON held in Ivory Coast earlier this year, Nigeria aims to secure a strong start to the qualifiers for the next AFCON, which will take place in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.

The road begins against Benin Republic on September 7, followed by a match against Rwanda in Kigali on September 10.