The Super Eagles of Nigeria will be eager to kick off their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers on a positive note when they face Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo this Saturday, MySportDab reports.
After a challenging few months for Nigerian football, interim coach Augustine Eguavoen will be hoping to restore some confidence and steer the team back to winning ways.
Nigeria’s recent form has been concerning, especially after their impressive run to the 2023 AFCON final, where they narrowly lost 2-1 after taking an early lead. Since then, the team has struggled, managing only one win in their last four matches under Finidi George, who parted ways with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) in June. The departure of key players, Victor Osimhen’s disciplinary issues, and uncertainty surrounding a new head coach have added to the team’s woes.
Eguavoen, no stranger to the Super Eagles setup, has been brought in temporarily following the NFF’s failed attempt to appoint Bruno Labbadia. Eguavoen will now be tasked with rallying his troops and getting them back on track for AFCON qualification.
On the opposing bench will be Gernot Rohr, the current coach of Benin Republic, who previously managed the Super Eagles between 2016 and 2021. His intimate knowledge of the Nigerian squad could provide Benin with a tactical advantage as they look to frustrate the hosts in Uyo. Benin’s recent form has been solid, losing just one of their last five matches, a narrow defeat to Senegal.
Team News
For Nigeria, Eguavoen will have most of his key players available, although Victor Osimhen remains a doubt due to his lack of match fitness and uncertainty over his club future. Bright Osayi-Samuel will also miss the game due to injury, with Benjamin Tanimu called up as his replacement. Long-term absentee Terem Moffi continues his recovery from an ACL injury.
Benin, meanwhile, will be missing several key players, with only Mohamed Tijani featuring despite nursing an injury.
Head-to-Head and Match Analysis
Benin triumphed 2-1 the last time the two sides met, a shock result that marked Nigeria’s first-ever loss to their West African rivals in six meetings. Despite dominating that match, Nigeria lacked sharpness in front of goal, a problem they will hope to rectify in this fixture.
With stars like William Troost-Ekong and Osimhen available, Nigeria are expected to play on the front foot, applying early pressure to avoid a repeat of their previous struggles. Benin, under Rohr’s guidance, will likely adopt a more defensive approach, relying on counter-attacks and set-pieces to threaten the Super Eagles’ defense.
Predicted Lineups
Nigeria: Stanley Nwabili; William Troost-Ekong, Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina, Bruno Onyemaechi; Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru; Victor Osimhen, Samuel Chukwueze, Ademola Lookman.
Benin: Marcel Dandjinou; Abdoul Moumini, Cedric Hountondji, Yohan Roche, David Kiki; Sessi D’Almeida, Jodel Dossou, Douko Dodo, Hassane Imourane, Junior Olaitan; Steve Mounie.
Despite recent struggles, Nigeria’s superior quality on paper makes them strong favorites to secure all three points in Uyo.
