Benin Republic captain Steve Mounie remains confident that the Cheetahs can replicate their surprising victory over the Super Eagles as they prepare for their rematch in Abidjan.
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The Cheetahs previously defeated Nigeria 2-1 at the Felix Houphouët-Boigny Stadium in June, and they are set to face their neighbors again at the same venue on Thursday in a high-stakes Africa Cup of Nations 2025 qualifier.
With anticipation building, Mounie expressed optimism about his team’s chances. Drawing from personal experience, he shared the motivation he gave his teammates in June, comparing their challenge to his former club, Stade Brest.
“When I was with Stade Brest, we were able to stand up to big teams in the French championship,” Mounie told the press. “I reminded the team that we could do the same against Nigeria. We’re capable of looking them in the eye, and that’s what we have to do tomorrow. We need to be active participants in this match, not just spectators.”
With the game set to kick off at 8 p.m. Nigeria time, Mounie’s rallying words have raised expectations that Benin will bring both confidence and resilience to the pitch. The Cheetahs are eager to prove that their June victory was no fluke and will aim to challenge the Super Eagles once more in this decisive clash.
