Eguavoen: Eagles determined to make great start in 2025 AFCON race

Super Eagles’ Interim Manager, Augustine Eguavoen, has declared that Nigeria is raring to go for all six points available in this month’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against their counterparts from Benin Republic and Rwanda.

The reigning African vice champions clash with the Cheetahs of Benin Republic, in Uyo, tomorrow and then keep a date with Rwanda’s Amavubi in Kigali three days later.

“Our objective is clear: to pick the six points in both matches. The players know this and are committed to accomplishing this. The matches will not be easy; no qualifying game can be taken for granted because all the teams want to play in the finals. However, we have spoken to the players and all of us are on the same page.

“Starting with the match against Benin Republic on Saturday, nobody is mentioning anything about revenge. Our goal is three points, and then we aim for another three points in Kigali on Tuesday that will put us in good stead for qualification.”

Eguavoen has several stalwarts, who are truly determined to appease fans and enthusiasts for missing the two FIFA World Cup qualifying matches in June, from which poor results threaten the Eagles’ chances of reaching the 2026 finals.

Cote d’Ivoire 2023 AFCON’s Man-of-the-Competition, William Ekong, also team captain, was overlooked for the ties against South Africa, and Benin Republic, as he was recovering from injury, but he is back at the heart of the rearguard to lead the three-time African champions to hunt for points for another showpiece.

Ekong scored three goals at the AFCON finals early in the year.

Reigning African Player of the Year, Victor Osimhen, missed the two games in June, as did defender Ola Aina, and star forward, Moses Simon due to injury.