Victor Osimhen, the reigning African Footballer of the Year, is set to join the Nigerian national team’s camp on Thursday, just two days before their crucial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Benin Republic.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed this development through a statement by their Director of Communication, Ademola Olajire, on Tuesday.
Osimhen’s delayed arrival comes on the heels of his recent transfer saga, which concluded with a season-long loan deal to Turkish club Galatasaray.
The striker had been linked with moves to Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, and Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli before settling on the Turkish option.
“Osimhen’s delayed arrival is understandable, given his recent transfer saga, which was finally resolved with a loan deal to Galatasaray,” Olajire stated.
Goalkeeper Maduka Okoye is also expected to arrive on Thursday, while Kelechi Iheanacho is scheduled to join the camp on Wednesday. As of Tuesday evening, 20 players had already reported to the camp in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, with team captain William Ekong leading the contingent.
The Super Eagles have begun intensive preparations for Saturday’s match against Benin Republic. The squad includes a mix of defenders, midfielders, and forwards, with notable names such as Ola Aina, Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, and Ademola Lookman already in camp.
Following the Benin Republic match, the team will travel to Kigali on Sunday for their second qualifier against Rwanda on Tuesday.
Despite Osimhen’s late arrival, Coach Augustine Eguavoen’s squad remains focused on securing victories in these opening qualifying matches.
Eguavoen spoke with NFF TV ahead of Saturday’s 2025 AFCON qualifying match against the Cheetahs of Benin Republic in Uyo. He said he was optimistic that the Super Eagles would prevail.
“Nigeria is a nation, in terms of football, a lot of countries respect it, and the 2025 AFCON qualifier is no different.
“I am very confident that we will scale through these two games and beyond.
“We have the materials, players, personnel and support. We have everything,” he said
The NFF’s announcement has heightened anticipation among Nigerian football fans, who are eager to see their star striker in action as the Super Eagles begin their journey towards AFCON 2025 qualification.