Super Eagles Resume Drills Following Decisive Victory Over Uganda

The celebratory echoes of victory had barely faded in the Moroccan city of Fès before the Super Eagles were back on the turf, shifting their focus from a successful group stage conclusion to the high-stakes pressure of the knockout rounds. On Wednesday morning, the Nigerian national team returned to the training pitch, putting behind them the physical toll of their 3-1 triumph over the Cranes of Uganda. While the mood in the camp remains buoyed by the convincing nature of Tuesday night’s performance, the technical crew led a session characterized by a mix of recovery and tactical recalibration.

The victory over Paul Put’s side served as a statement of intent for the West African giants, who secured the win with a display of clinical finishing and defensive resilience. However, the intensity of that final group encounter left its mark on the squad, with a few notable absences during the Wednesday morning drills. Most prominent among those missing from the grass was Victor Osimhen, the talismanic striker who wore the captain’s armband during the Uganda clash. His absence was not a cause for medical concern but rather a strategic decision by the coaching staff to preserve his energy for the grueling path ahead.

The medical bulletin was less favorable for other members of the squad. Ryan Alebiosu, who has been working to cement his place in the defensive setup, was sidelined after sustaining an injury during the physical contest with the Cranes. Similarly, Cyriel Dessers was absent from the session as he continues to grapple with a persistent knee issue. The physical demands of the tournament are beginning to test the depth of the Nigerian bench, making the management of these minor setbacks a priority for the team’s physiotherapists as the business end of the competition begins.

Despite these individual absences, the collective spirit remains high as the team prepares for a scheduled break. With the world ushering in the New Year on Thursday, the coaching department has granted the players a full rest day. This pause is intended to provide a mental and physical reset before the Super Eagles return to the intensity of their training schedule on Friday. The timing of the rest day is viewed as a critical window for recovery, especially for those nursing knocks from the group stage matches.

The anticipation within the camp is now centered on the results of Wednesday night’s remaining fixtures, which will determine Nigeria’s opponent in the Round of 16. The mathematical permutations are narrowing, leaving the Super Eagles with a potentially heavyweight clash on the horizon. Depending on the final group standings, Nigeria is slated to face one of three formidable opponents: the host nation Cote d’Ivoire, the perennial rivals Cameroon, or the resilient side from Mozambique.

For the Nigerian coaching staff, the identity of the opponent will dictate the tactical blueprint for the coming week. A potential showdown with Cameroon would reignite one of the most storied rivalries in African football, while a match against Cote d’Ivoire would pit the Super Eagles against the intense atmosphere of a host crowd. Regardless of the draw, the match is confirmed to take place next Monday in Fès, the city that has become a temporary home for the Nigerian contingent during this tournament.

The journey so far has been a testament to the squad’s evolution since the start of the tournament. The 3-1 win over Uganda demonstrated a team that is beginning to find its rhythm in the final third, with the midfield showing better cohesion than in earlier matches. The Wednesday morning session, though brief for some, served as a reminder that the momentum gained in the group stage must be sustained if the Super Eagles are to fulfill their ambitions of continental glory in 2025.

As the players head into their New Year’s rest day, the focus remains firmly on the goal of bringing the trophy back to Abuja. The technical team will spend the evening monitoring the final group games with a keen eye, dissecting the strengths and weaknesses of their prospective rivals. With a blend of seasoned veterans like Osimhen and emerging talents eager to make their mark, the Super Eagles appear ready to navigate the treacherous waters of the knockout phase, beginning with the crucial encounter on Monday.