A good number of the Super Eagles stars have arrived in camp as Nigeria finalize their preparations ahead of their 2021 Africa Cup of Nations against Benin Republic and Lesotho respectively.
As at mid-day on Tuesday, 23 players had arrived at the Eko Hotel & Towers, Victoria Island, Lagos where the Super Eagles are camping ahead of their upcoming games.
Nigeria lead their group with eight points, one ahead of second-placed Benin who they face at the weekend. Three days later, the Super Eagles will then take on Lesotho at the iconic Teslim Balogun stadium. It is a monumental fixture as it is the first competitive fixture Nigeria would have played in Lagos in a decade.
If results go their way, the Super Eagles could secure qualification for the 2021 AFCON even before they kick a ball. Should Sierra Leone fail to win their game against Lesotho, it would mean Nigeria and Benin go through to Cameroon.
On Tuesday, Coach Gernot Rohr said his side is only focused on taking all three points, regardless of whatever result elsewhere. This is precisely the sort of mentality the Super Eagles supporters are hoping to see.
“We are keen to restore a winning mentality to the group ahead of very crucial matches that we have ahead. It is important that we earn victories in the upcoming matches so that we get into our paces for the FIFA World Cup qualifiers. There will be tough games to come and we need to be rearing to go.”
Nigeria have Cape Verde, Liberia and Central Africa Republic to contend with in the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. It is a difficult one as only the winner will qualify to the final knockout stages in November. Liberia’s Lone Star will be the Eagles’ first side Nigeria face on home turf, before a trip to Bangui.
Players in camp: Goalkeepers: Maduka Okoye, Francis Uzoho, John Noble; Defenders: William Ekong, Olaoluwa Aina, Adekunle Adeleke, Chidozie Awaziem, Leon Balogun, Tyronne Ebuehi, Jamilu Collins, Zaidu Sanusi; Midfielders: Semi Ajayi, Oghenekaro Etebo, Abdullahi Shehu, Joseph Ayodele-Aribo, Wilfred Ndidi; Forwards: Ahmed Musa, Henry Onyekuru, Anayo Iwuala, Alex Iwobi, Paul Onuachu, Samuel Chukwueze, Victor Osimhen.
Only in-form Leicester City star, Kelechi Iheanacho, is yet to report for duty and join his teammates at the Eko Hotels.