Super Eagles arrived in Uyo amid fanfare on Friday afternoon aboard a ValuJet airline from Abidjan, where they secured their place in the 2025 AFCON finals in Morocco with a 1-1 draw against the Republic of Benin in their matchday five Group D qualifier, Completesports.com reports
The result confirms Augustine Eguavoen’s side’s qualification for the Morocco showpiece, irrespective of the outcome of Monday’s ‘dead rubber’ game against the Amavubi of Rwanda.
The Super Eagles received a warm welcome from jubilant fans and airport workers in Uyo. Striker Victor Osimhen and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali drew the most attention, though for contrasting reasons.
Osimhen Fanfare
Many fans and airport staff struggled to get close to Osimhen, eager to meet the star they had long anticipated seeing. They celebrated his return to the squad after missing the previous two games against South Africa (World Cup qualifiers) and Libya (AFCON qualifiers).
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Chants of “Osimhen! Osimhen!! Osimhen!!” filled the airport as fans lauded his impressive performances for his club, Galatasaray of Turkey, and the Super Eagles. His record-equalling goal against Benin Republic on Thursday night at the Houphouët-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan secured Nigeria’s equaliser and confirmed their AFCON qualification.
The goal also marked Osimhen’s 23rd international goal, equalling Segun Odegbami’s record, though still behind late Rashidi Yekini’s all-time tally of 37.
Nwabali’s Grief
Meanwhile, first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali appeared sombre, greeted with sympathisers after learning of his father’s death earlier on Friday.
The team travelled to their base at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, and are set to resume training on Saturday morning in preparation for Monday’s game against Rwanda.
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As the team left the Obong Victor Attah International Airport, fans shouted condolences to Nwabali, calling out: “Number One, sorry o! Our condolences!”
Fans Celebrate a New Era
One fan, Bassey Ufot, expressed his excitement, saying: “Yes, now we have a Super Eagles team that doesn’t wait until the last game to struggle for qualification or force Nigerians to become Professor Chike Obi and start doing mathematical calculations on how the team can qualify.”
With a newfound sense of pride and optimism, the small but enthusiastic crowd dispersed, celebrating the Super Eagles’ achievement.
By Sab Osuji in Uyo
