The Super Eagles of Nigeria will look to secure their place at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) as they take on the Cheetahs of Benin at Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny in Abidjan on Thursday, MySportDab Reports.
A single point would be enough to see Nigeria qualify, but the team is focused on taking maximum points against their West African rivals.
Match Preview
Nigeria currently leads Group D in the AFCON qualifiers, having built a four-point gap over second-placed Benin. The Super Eagles have accumulated 10 points from four matches, largely thanks to an unusual twist of events in October. After a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Libya in Uyo, Nigeria’s trip to Libya for the return leg encountered unexpected hostility. The team was stranded at the Libyan airport for over 12 hours, which ultimately led to them abandoning the match and returning home. Following an investigation, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) awarded Nigeria maximum points, securing their position at the top of the group.
Benin, on the other hand, enters this encounter on a quest for three points that would keep their own qualification hopes alive. After an opening loss to Nigeria, the Cheetahs bounced back with successive wins over Libya and Rwanda, positioning themselves in second place with six points. However, a recent 2-1 loss to Rwanda left them vulnerable, with just a one-point advantage over third-placed Rwanda.
Nigeria emerged victorious in their previous meeting with Benin, with Ademola Lookman scoring twice and Victor Osimhen adding a goal in a 3-0 win. The Super Eagles aim to replicate that result and confirm their ticket to AFCON 2025. For Benin, anything less than a win could jeopardize their qualification hopes if Rwanda wins their fixture against Libya.
Team News
Benin may be without forward Matteo Ahlinvi, who left the pitch injured during his club’s recent match. Nonetheless, the Cheetahs will rely on the firepower of Augsburg striker Steve Mounie, who scored the match-winner against Nigeria in a World Cup qualifier in June, and Junior Olaitan of Grenoble.
Nigeria will be without West Brom defender Semi Ajayi, sidelined with a muscle injury, as well as defender Olisa Ndah. They have called up Gabriel Osho of Auxerre and Victor Collins from Nasarawa United to strengthen the backline. Meanwhile, star striker Victor Osimhen returns after an injury absence, alongside Real Sociedad forward Sadiq Umar.
Benin Predicted XI: Dandjinou; Moumini, Hountondji, Tijani, Roche; D’Almeida, Imourane, Dossou; Dodo, Olaitan, Mounie.
Nigeria Predicted XI: Nwabali; Aina, Troost-Ekong, Bassey, Onyemaechi; Ndidi, Onyeka; Iwobi; Simon, Lookman, Osimhen.
With both teams highly motivated, the stage is set for an exciting West African showdown.
