As the race to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations intensifies, Nigeria will face Benin on Thursday at Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny, looking to secure their spot in the tournament.
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With Nigeria sitting atop Group D, a point would guarantee their qualification, but the Super Eagles will be aiming for a win, especially since the match will take place in Abidjan, Ivory Coast due to Benin’s stadium situation.
In their last meeting, Nigeria cruised to a 3-0 victory, thanks to a brace from Ademola Lookman and a goal from CAF Men’s Player of the Year, Victor Osimhen. However, Benin has had success on home soil, having won the last encounter 2-1 during World Cup qualifiers in June. Despite their recent loss to Nigeria in the opening game of the AFCON qualifiers, Benin has shown resilience, bouncing back with impressive victories over Libya and Rwanda.
Currently in second place in Group D with six points, Benin knows that anything less than a victory will hurt their chances of advancing. A loss could see them drop to third place, depending on Rwanda’s result against Libya. The Cheetahs will rely on the goal-scoring prowess of Augsburg striker Steve Mounie, who found the net in their last victory over Nigeria, and Junior Olaitan, who adds flair to their attack.
For Nigeria, they are coming into this match with a full-strength squad. With the return of Victor Osimhen and Real Sociedad’s Sadiq Umar, both of whom were unavailable in the previous window due to injury, the Super Eagles will be a formidable force. Unfortunately, Nigeria will be without defender Semi Ajayi and Olisa Ndah, but replacements Gabriel Osho and Victor Collins have joined the squad, strengthening their defensive options.
Team News:
Benin may be without forward Matteo Ahlinvi, who is recovering from an injury sustained in his club match with Vasteras. Nevertheless, he is expected to join the camp for assessment. Mounie, who scored the winner in June’s historic victory over Nigeria, will be key for the hosts, alongside Junior Olaitan, who adds speed and creativity to their front line.
For Nigeria, the big return is that of Osimhen, who was sidelined last month due to injury, and Sadiq Umar, who has recovered from an ACL injury. They will bolster Nigeria’s already strong attacking unit. However, they will have to make do without defenders Semi Ajayi and Olisa Ndah due to injuries. Gabriel Osho and Victor Collins are the new additions to the squad, offering fresh defensive options.
Possible Lineups:
Benin: Dandjinou; Moumini, Hountondji, Tijani, Roche; D’Almeida, Imourane, Dossou; Dodo, Olaitan, Mounie
Nigeria: Nwabali; Aina, Troost-Ekong, Bassey, Onyemaechi; Ndidi, Onyeka; Iwobi; Simon, Lookman, Osimhen
While Benin will be inspired by their previous win against Nigeria, the Super Eagles come into this clash with a stronger, more in-form squad. Their attacking depth, including the return of Osimhen and Umar, gives them the edge, and we predict a hard-fought victory for Nigeria in this crucial qualifier.
