In anticipation of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers scheduled between Nigeria and Sao Tome and Principe at the 30,000-seat Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, also known as the Nest of Champions, in Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom State, key Super Eagles players have arrived at the training camp.
On Thursday, a massive crowd of fans gathered at the stadium to catch a glimpse of the Nigerian soccer stars, including Moses Simon, Kelechi Iheanacho, and Samuel Chukwueze. Our correspondent learned that they would be joining some debutants who had already reported to the camp.
Among the new additions were Gift Orban, Victor Boniface, and Jordan Torunarigha, who are set to add energy to the camp and participate in the first training session later on Thursday evening.
Furthermore, Sao Tome and Principe’s national team, known as the Falcons and True Parrots, has also arrived in Uyo in preparation for the upcoming match. The squad, consisting of 15 players and five officials, was led by Coach Adriano Eusebio and arrived at the Victor Attah International Airport at 12:25 pm on Thursday. They were warmly received by the Akwa Ibom State Football Normalization Committee, including the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Sports to the State Governor, Elder Paul Bassey.
However, in regard to the match, football analyst Sampson Sampson expressed enthusiasm while noting that the encounter is of lesser significance as it is essentially a formality.
“The Central African nation is in Uyo, the state capital, for a mere formality game against the Super Eagles. Even though they are seeking their first victory in Group ‘A’ after four defeats and a draw, the truth is that regardless of the outcome on Sunday, Eusebio’s side will remain at the bottom of the table,” he explained.
