Nigeria will face Benin Republic on Saturday in their opening match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign.
The Super Eagles were stunned by a 2-1 defeat against the Cheetahs in Abidjan during their World Cup qualifier in June.
Interim coach Augustine Eguavoen, determined to avoid another upset, has called up 23 of Nigeria’s finest players from across the globe for this critical encounter.
Soccernet.ng’s Imhons Erons highlights five influential players who could be key to securing a victory for Nigeria in Uyo.
Raphael Onyedika
Club Brugge midfielder Raphael Onyedika is emerging as a crucial player in the Super Eagles’ midfield.
The youngster’s physical presence, impressive passing range, and goal-scoring instincts have drawn comparisons to former national team captain Sunday Oliseh.
Onyedika netted Nigeria’s only goal in the June defeat to Benin and has shown excellent form for Brugge early this season.
Raphael Onyedika’s goal for Nigeria against Benin Republic 🔥 pic.twitter.com/0ZdDKMkgaD
— MikeThePundit (@Mike_ThePundit) June 10, 2024
He is expected to be a reliable option for Eguavoen against the Cheetahs.
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru’s rise over the past year has been remarkable. After leaving League One side Sheffield Wednesday, he impressed in Turkey with Hatayspor and is now playing in Italy for Lazio.
The young midfielder made his international debut in October, providing an assist in Nigeria’s 3-2 win over Mozambique. He scored his first Super Eagles goal with a well-taken strike in a 1-1 draw against South Africa in June.
Oluwafisayo Dele-Bashiru
— Goals Galore (@GoalsGalorecom) June 7, 2024
Nigeria 1-1 South Africa
pic.twitter.com/MzfcJvTjuz
If Dele-Bashiru brings his best form on Saturday, the Benin Republic will have plenty to worry about.
William Troost-Ekong
Crowned Africa’s best player at the 2023 AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire, William Troost-Ekong has been sorely missed after injury sidelined him for Nigeria’s last four games.
In his absence, the Super Eagles struggled defensively, failing to keep a clean sheet in those matches.
Now back to full fitness, the former Watford and Udinese centre-back returns to the national team, where his leadership and defensive nous are invaluable.
Expect to see him organise Nigeria’s defence and thwart the Cheetahs’ attacks in Uyo.
Moses Simon
Moses Simon, one of Nigeria’s standout performers at the 2023 AFCON, is back to his best after recovering from a season-ending injury.
The dynamic winger has started the new season in scintillating form in France, netting two goals in three games for Nantes, who won two of their opening Ligue 1 fixtures. His efforts earned him the club’s Player of the Month award.
Benin Republic’s defenders will have a tough time containing Simon, one of Nigeria’s most skillful dribblers and creative outlets.
Victor Osimhen
Reigning African Player of the Year and the continent’s most valuable footballer, Victor Osimhen, will undoubtedly be Nigeria’s biggest threat against Benin Republic.
Despite a turbulent summer, which saw him finally sign for Galatasaray after interest from PSG, Chelsea, and Al Ahli, Osimhen has reported to the Super Eagles camp for this crucial tie.
Nigeria, winless in four World Cup qualifiers in Osimhen’s absence, rarely lose when the 25-year-old striker is on the pitch. During the last AFCON qualifiers, Osimhen was the continent’s top scorer with ten goals.
He will be eager to begin his qualifying campaign with a strong performance against the Cheetahs.
