Afcon 2025: Awoniyi is delighted to be back as Dele-Bashiru and Ndah ready for battle for Super Eagles shirt

Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi is thrilled to return to the Super Eagles after a 10-month absence occasioned by injuries, with the Nottingham Forest player downplaying the challenge of earning a spot in the starting XI against Benin Republic and Rwanda.

Awoniyi, 27, has made a meagre eight appearances for the Eagles, scoring two goals, with his run with the team limited by a spate of injuries, which steadily pushed him down the pecking order behind Victor Osimhen and Victor Boniface.

 “Playing for the Super Eagles is a great privilege for every player, and everyone wants to be part of it,” Awoniyi said in an interview with Flashscore.

“Everyone called up is excited about it, and I believe everyone is going to give his best for the country.

“We all are doing very well for ourselves, and playing for the Super Eagles is like giving back what the country has given us. And we are doing that as a team.

“I think whoever is playing or whoever is starting doesn’t matter really. What matters is putting the country first and ensuring we win, which I believe would bring a lot of joy to so many Nigerians.

 “We know what is at stake. For the fact that we lost against them and the second factor is that we are playing at home now, this should be to our advantage.

“As I have always said, football is about doing well for yourself, working hard as a team, and playing for each other.

“If we do that, I believe we will have the three points because we have the talents.”

Also, Super Eagles midfielder Fisayo Dele–Bashiru who was impressive in his competitive debut for the Eagles in June, said he was looking forward to the game as he hoped to help the team to victory.

“I am looking forward to playing more than anything. I am training hard because it is not a given that I am going to play, but I just have to prove myself because I am still new to the team,

“I am going to keep training hard, and hopefully if I play, however, I can help the team; that’s what I am going to do.”

Meanwhile, Orlando Pirates of South Africa defender, Olisa Ndah is ready to stake claim for a regular playing berth in the Super Eagles.

Ndah has made a return to the Super Eagles after around three years of absence.

The centre-back earned his invitation on the back of his impressive displays for the South African club, Orlando Pirates.

The former Akwa United player will however compete with the likes of William Troost-Ekong, Calvin Bassey and Semi Ajayi for a starting berth.

Ndah posited that the competition for places in the team is a healthy one.

“I think it is a healthy competition and there’s a lot of great players in the team. No matter who is starting on Saturday, I think we’re committed to the team,” he said.

The 26-year-old also reflected on the support from Uyo fans.

“It is a good reception and there are a lot of great guys here. I am enjoying my moments here. I am also in Uyo, so I feel at home because I have been here for a couple of years before,” he added.