Former Nigerian international, Friday Elahor has urged the Super Eagles to approach Thursday’s AFCON qualifier against Benin with complete seriousness.

Despite needing only a single point to secure a spot in the 2025 tournament in Morocco, Elahor insists Nigeria should not take the match lightly.

The three-time African champions will face Benin in the second leg of the qualifiers, leading Group D with 10 points while Benin trails with 6.

Though the odds favour Nigeria, Elahor warns that underestimating their opponents could lead to disappointment, recalling Benin’s surprising victory over Nigeria in recent World Cup qualifiers.

Reflecting on past encounters, Elahor dismissed Benin as a strong rival, noting that in his playing days, Nigeria consistently dominated them.

He emphasized that such confidence should return to the team, and Nigeria should aim for a decisive victory.

Speaking on Brila FM’s “No Holds Barred” with Ifeanyi Udeze, Elahor said: “If we are serious, we will beat them. We shouldn’t go in thinking we’ve already qualified. No, if we do that, they’ll beat us.

“On paper, we’re better than them so if we are serious we will beat them.”

“If we talk about players, we have good players more than them. Anytime any day Super Eagles will beat Benin.”

“It’s a neutral ground and we have the players who can do the job but with seriousness.”

Benin’s players celebrates. (Photo by ISSOUF SANOGO/AFP via Getty Images)

The Super Eagles will face Benin on November 14 at the Stade Félix Houphouet-Boigny in Abidjan, before returning home to play Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on November 18.