AFCON qualifier: Simon, Chukwueze, six others among early birds in Abidjan

Samuel Chukwueze and Moses Simon were among the first players to arrive at the Super Eagles' camp in Cot'Ivoire on Monday in front of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Benin Republic.

Six additional players, including Amas Obasogie, Raphael Onyedika, Frank Onyeka, Bruno Onyemaechi, Gabriel Osho, and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, all arrived in Abidjan on Monday, according to the News Agency of Nigeria.

At least eight players had already arrived, according to the Super Eagles Media Officer who verified the information to NAN on Monday. Some more were still anticipated on Tuesday.

Victor Osimhen, the current Africa Player of the Year, Simon, Ademola Lookman, and captain William Ekong were among the 19 players selected to the qualification.

This month, the Super Eagles will play Rwanda and Benin Republic in the last stages of the 2025 AFCON qualifying campaign in an attempt to earn six points.

Prior to Thursday's match against the Benin Republic Cheetahs at the Stade Felix-Houphouet-Boigny, the team's camp in Abidjan formally started on Monday.

In preparation for their final qualifying match against the Amavubi of Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on Monday, the Super Eagles are anticipated to fly to Uyo on Friday.

With only final-day opponents Rwanda able to catch up to them on points, the Super Eagles, who are presently leading their Group D, will guarantee a spot in the final tournament if they defeat the Cheetahs, bringing their total to 11 points.

The Super Eagles, however, are far ahead of the Amavubi with a current record of seven goals for and none against (after the CAF Disciplinary Board gave them three points and three goals for the disastrous Matchday 4 match against Libya).

Going into the final two matchdays, the Rwandans are ahead by five points and behind by one goal.