- Coach Augustine Eguavoen discusses Super Eagles’ readiness ahead of the AFCON qualifier against Benin
- Super Eagles goalkeeper, Maduka Okoye says he is keen to challenge Stanley Nwabali for the number one goalkeeping position
- Okoye praises the unwavering support of Nigerian fans and their belief in the team
Coach Augustine Eguavoen and Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye have shared their thoughts ahead of Nigeria's crucial AFCON qualifier against Benin, with a clear message of optimism and determination.
With the captain, William Troost-Ekong, leading the charge, the team is pushing through intense training sessions as they prepare for the upcoming challenges.
Speaking to the press, Eguavoen stressed that the focus remains firmly on securing maximum points. Nigeria, facing a daunting series of setbacks in their World Cup qualification campaign, aims to bounce back decisively.
“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,” Eguavoen explained.
He further emphasized that they are not swayed by the talk of revenge against Benin, as getting a victory is the primary goal.
“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.”
Meanwhile, Maduka Okoye recently reintegrated into the squad after a period of absence, is determined to challenge Stanley Nwabali for the starting goalkeeper spot. The Udinese shot-stopper has regained form but understands that he has stiff competition.
Speaking with journalist Victor Modo, Okoye expressed his admiration for Nwabali’s performances, particularly his strong showing at the 2024 AFCON.
"Like you said, we have top goalkeepers. I mean, Stanley proved it in the AFCON, and for me, it's also great to share the pitch with them, and train together with them on a very good goalkeeping coach. It's always good,” Okoye remarked.
He also touched on the unique bond between Nigerian players and their passionate supporters. “If we play Brazil, they believe that we are winning, you know. And I think this is great because this creates a kind of spirit, you know. And this is very special about Nigeria, the Nigerian spirit, and we can feel it. I can feel it every time I'm coming back to the national team.”
He concluded by expressing his appreciation for the love and support of the Nigerian fans, saying, “We want to bless them with more victory.”
As Okoye prepares to fight for his position, he proudly talks about his tattoo with the number 40, explaining its personal meaning’
“40 is the area code of the city where I'm from, in Germany, in Dusseldorf. So, this number is connected to my youth, to where I grew up, to what I've seen in life, to what raised me also outside from home.”
Following the Benin clash, the Super Eagles will fly to Kigali to take on Rwanda’s Amavubi, a game that Eguavoen sees as equally vital for securing a qualification spot. They will then face Libya, rounding off a challenging set of fixtures in their group.
Super Eagles announces team for September AFCON qualifiers game
Previously, TheRadar reported that the Super Eagles of Nigeria have announced their squad for September’s African Cup of Nations qualifiers, with Napoli’s Victor Osimhen included among the 23 players selected.
These upcoming fixtures against Benin Republic and Rwanda in September 7 and 10, respectively, will serve as the first challenge for new head coach Bruno Labbadia, who recently took over the reins of the national team.
