For the third time in just six months, Nigeria and the Benin Republic are set to clash again on Thursday (today) in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, as both teams vie for automatic qualification spots for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Super Eagles come into the match on the back of a commanding 3-0 victory over the Cheetahs in the first leg at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, in September.
Now, with the stakes even higher, they will face Benin Republic at the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny, the Cheetahs’ adopted home ground, needing at least a draw to secure their spot in Morocco for the 2025 tournament.
Although a draw would suffice for Nigeria to advance, Coach Austin Eguavoen’s side is aiming for a win to avoid any repeat of their 2-1 loss to the Cheetahs in June during the disastrous 2026 World Cup qualifiers at the same venue.
Currently, the Super Eagles lead Group D with 10 points, while the second-placed Benin Republic, with six points, must win to stay alive in the race for an automatic spot.
The pressure is mounting as a loss would leave them vulnerable to the advancing Rwanda, who are currently five points behind, or even Libya, who are still mathematically in contention despite only having one point.
This tight race makes the match on Thursday even more pivotal for both sides. The encounter will be officiated by Senegalese referee Issa Sy, and both teams are expected to bring their best to the pitch.
Super Eagles’ defender and 2023 AFCON MVP, William Troost-Ekong, who missed Nigeria’s June defeat, emphasized the team’s focus and determination for the upcoming game, “The stadium is familiar territory. We’ve had good results here before, but we’re focused on avenging our last loss to Benin and securing the win.”
The Benin Republic’s coach, former Nigeria manager Genort Rohr, is aware of the challenge ahead, particularly since Nigeria has recovered and strengthened since the June loss.
Despite the tough task, he remains optimistic, noting, “Repeating the feat of June is going to be complicated because Nigeria is now at full strength, but we believe in ourselves.”
Rohr also acknowledged the absence of key players Cedric and Olivier but insisted that the Cheetahs are prepared to move forward without them.
Unlike Rohr, Coach Eguavoen has the full complement of his squad at his disposal. The most likely starting lineup includes team captain William Troost-Ekong and Calvin Bassey in central defense, with wing-backs Olaoluwa Aina and Bruno Onyemaechi. Bright Osayi-Samuel has also returned to bolster the backline.
In midfield, the options are plentiful, with Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi, Frank Onyeka, and Raphael Onyedika all vying for spots.
In attack, the competition is fierce with Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Victor Boniface, Samuel Chukwueze, Sadiq Umar, and Kelechi Iheanacho all available for selection.
With a solid team and their eyes firmly set on securing qualification with a game to spare, the Super Eagles will look to make a statement in this crucial encounter. The match kicks off at 8:00 pm Nigerian time.
