Nigeria will kick off preparations for their final two qualifiers for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), with a camp set to open in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, on November 10.

The Super Eagles will gather in Abidjan ahead of their AFCON qualifier against Benin Republic, scheduled for November 14.

In a strategic move to streamline travel, players invited for the qualifiers will fly directly to Abidjan from their respective bases, bypassing Nigeria.

This decision, especially beneficial for the largely foreign-based squad, aims to reduce travel fatigue before the crucial encounters.

Under interim coach Augustine Eguavoen, the Super Eagles play November 14 before returning to Nigeria to take on Rwanda on November 18 at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.

Nigeria currently tops Group C with 10 points from four games and is well-positioned to secure a spot at AFCON 2025, needing just one more point to qualify.

The Super Eagles previously defeated Benin 3-0 at home, managed a goalless draw against Rwanda, and recorded a narrow 1-0 victory over Libya.

In the second leg against Libya, the game was ultimately awarded to Nigeria with a 3-0 scoreline due to CAF’s intervention following Libya’s unruly treatment of the Nigerian players, leading to a forfeiture.

Injury Concerns

Nigeria faces a few injury challenges, with key players Semi Ajayi, Chidera Ejuke, and Olisa Ndah still sidelined. Despite these setbacks, the Super Eagles are confident of their depth and readiness for the upcoming matches.

With Benin and Rwanda in second and third place with six and five points respectively, and Libya at the bottom with one point, a draw in Abidjan will confirm Nigeria’s qualification for the Tournament in Morocco.