Eagles Hold First Training Ahead Sao Tome Clash

On Sep 7, 2023

Ahead of their final 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against São Tomé and Príncipe, the Super Eagles under the supervision of Jose Peseiro held their first training session on Wednesday.

The Eagles play the Selecao at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo on Sunday in a dead rubber game.

Peseiro’s side head into the game with their place at the AFCON in Ivory Coast next year already guaranteed with 12 points after beating Sierra Leone 3-2 in June.

Despite their guaranteed spot at the biggest African showpiece, the Portuguese tactician invited a very strong squad for the game against the Selecao.

Checks by our correspondent revealed that all the invited 23 players had arrived in camp and participated in their first training session on Wednesday.

New Eagles invitees Jordan Torunarigha, Orban Gift and Boniface Victor were among the first members of the squad to report for international duty.

Also read: Super Eagles Coach Invites 23 Players For AFCON Qualifier

Italy-based quartet Victor Osimhen, who plays for Napoli, Atalanta winger Ademola Lookman, AC Milan’s Samuel Chukwueze, and Empoli’s Tyronne Ebuehi were among the players that arrived at the camp early.

Nigeria’s England-based contingent of Nottingham Forest’s Taiwo Awoniyi and Ola Aina, Leicester City duo Wilfred Ndidi and Kelechi Iheanacho, Fulham’s Calvin Bassey, Brentford’s Frank Onyeka, West Brom’s Semi Ajayi and Southampton’s Joe Aribo have landed in camp.

Eagles assistant captain William Troost-Ekong also arrived from Greece, while Club Brugge’s Raphael Onyedika also made his way from his base in Belgium to the camp.

Also confirmed to have arrived in camp are goalkeepers Uzoho Francis, Adeleye Adebayo and Olorunleke Ojo. At the same time, Nantes winger Moses Simon, and Boavista’s Bruno Onyemaechi also took part in the team’s first training session.

The Eagles players arrived at the Akwa Ibom State capital via the Victor Attah International Airport. They were received by the State FA Normalization Committee and taken to their hotel, Four Points by Sheraton.

Also read: Portuguese Coach Extends Contract As Super Eagles Head Coach

Earlier on Tuesday, team coach Peseiro arrived in Uyo with three of his assistants and assessed the playing condition of the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, where the match will take place.

The team will hold its first training session today by 5 p.m. at the training pitch of the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.

Meanwhile, the Confederation of African Football has named Algerian official Lahlou Benbraham as the referee for Sunday’s clash.

Eagles Sao Tome and Principe