Morocco 2025: Captain William Ekong and 19 others train in Uyo as Eagles prepare for Cheetahs

In preparation for the upcoming matches leading to the Morocco 2025 tournament, the Nigerian national football team, commonly referred to as the Super Eagles, has gathered a squad of players in Uyo. Among these players is William Ekong, who is a key defender for the team. The training session includes a total of 20 players, indicating a robust effort by the coaching staff to ensure that all members are well-prepared and in optimal physical condition ahead of their encounters with the Cheetahs.

20 players trained in Uyo on Tuesday evening, ahead of Saturday’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against the Cheetahs of Benin Republic.

Captain William Ekong led from the front, arriving on Monday with the earliest birds, which included defenders Ola Aina, Semi Ajayi, and Olisa Ndah, midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and forwards Ademola Lookman and Taiwo Awoniyi.

Goalkeeper Amas Obasogie and midfielder Wilfred Ndidi were in tow, and forward Victor Boniface and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali joined in the evening.

On Tuesday morning, defender Calvin Bassey and midfielders Alex Iwobi and Frank Onyeka pitched in, before defender Benjamin Tanimu (drafted in place of Bright Osayi-Samuel), midfielder Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi, and forwards Moses Simon and Samuel Chukwueze landed. In the evening, just before the team bus pulled out of the hotel for training, defender Bruno Onyemaechi (of Portuguese club Boavista) and midfielder Raphael Onyedika (of Belgian side Club Brugge) arrived in camp.

Forward Kelechi Iheanacho is due in camp on Wednesday while goalkeeper Maduka Okoye and forward Victor Osimhen are being expected on Thursday.

After Saturday’s encounter, the Super Eagles are scheduled to fly to Kigali on Sunday for Tuesday’s Matchday 2 clash with the Amavubi of Rwanda.

The training camp is crucial as it allows the coaching staff to assess player fitness levels, implement tactical strategies, and build team cohesion. This period also serves as an opportunity for players to showcase their skills and secure their positions within the squad. The focus during these training sessions will likely be on both defensive organization and attacking fluidity, which are essential components for success in international competitions.

As they prepare for matches against teams like the Cheetahs, who may represent formidable opponents, it is important for the Super Eagles to fine-tune their gameplay. This includes working on set pieces, improving communication on the field, and developing a strong understanding between players in various positions.

The significance of this training camp cannot be understated; it represents not only a chance to physically prepare but also mentally gear up for what lies ahead in Morocco 2025. The team’s performance in these early stages will be critical as they aim to qualify and perform well in the tournament.