Super Eagles camp update: Awoniyi, Lookman among first 7 arrivals in Uyo for Benin, Rwanda AFCON qualifiers

The Super Eagles camp in Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom State in Southern Nigeria, has officially opened ahead of Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers this week, Soccernet.ng reports.

Nigeria will take on the Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on matchday one of the qualifiers on September 7.

Three days later, the three-time African champions will head to Kigali to trade tackles with Rwanda for the second round of games.

Twenty-three Super Eagles players have been invited for the matches, with the Technical Director of the Nigeria Football Federation, Augustine Eguavoen, tasked with leading the team.

The former Nigeria international was shouldered with the responsibility after German coach Bruno Labbadia rejected the Super Eagles coaching job days after the NFF announced his appointment.

After four mediocre outings in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, the Super Eagles will be keen on starting the AFCON qualifiers on a winning note.

Team captain William Troost-Ekong has arrived from his new base in Saudi Arabia, followed into camp by the England-based quartet of Ola Aina, Taiwo Awoniyi, and Semi Ajayi.

Europa League winner Ademola Lookman, who was on the bench as Atalanta stumbled to a 4-0 defeat away to champions Inter Milan, has equally made it to camp.

Also in town is new SS Lazio midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, who featured from the bench as his club battled to a thrilling 2-2 draw with AC Milan at the weekend.

It would be recalled that Dele-Bashiru scored his first competitive goal for Nigeria in the Super Eagles’ 1-1 draw with South Africa in June.

Super Eagles players in camp

William Troost-Ekong
Ola Aina
Semi Ajayi
Ademola Lookman
Olisa Ndah
Taiwo Awoniyi
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru