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As Nigeria prepare to battle Benin Republic in today’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, the three-time champions quest for all three points is at the forefront of every fan’s mind.

Here’s your comprehensive guide on everything to expect from this high-stakes encounter.

 

 

A Chance to End the Drought

Interim coach Austin Eguavoen leads the Super Eagles into this fixture with a mission to secure Nigeria’s first win in five games across all competitions.

 

A strong lineup is expected as Eguavoen looks to stamp his authority and bring the team back to winning ways.

 

 

But the big question is Will Victor Osimhen feature?

 

 

 

The Napoli forward’s limited time in camp has raised concerns about his fitness and readiness.

 

 

 

Though Reporting three days late to the squad after a whirlwind summer transfer saga, which eventually saw him join Galatasaray wasn’t exactly his fault.

 

 

Osimhen missed the first two training sessions on Tuesday and Wednesday.

 

He did, however, participate in Thursday and Friday’s sessions, and now, it’s up to Eguavoen to decide whether to start him or opt for caution.

 

 

A star player with such a busy week off the pitch could either inspire or struggle – will he be the key to unlocking Benin’s defense, or will he be given a rest?

 

 

 

Predicted Lineup

Here’s how the Super Eagles could line up.

Goalkeeper:

Stanley Nwabali

Defenders:

Ola Aina, William Troost-Ekong, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey

Midfielders:

Wilfred Ndidi, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Alex Iwobi

Forwards:

Ademola Lookman, Victor Boniface, Moses Simon

 

 

 

Nigeria vs Benin: Head-to-Head

In their most recent encounter in June, Benin shocked Nigeria with a 2-1 victory.

 

However, in their nine previous matchups, the Super Eagles have dominated, winning seven times, while their neighbors had tasted victory only twice.

 

 

 

Benin, under Gernot Rohr, have lost just once in their last five matches (an away defeat to Senegal), while Nigeria, uncharacteristically, has won just one of their last five games.

 

 

 

This match is crucial for both sides as they seek to establish momentum going into the Nations Cup.

 

 

 

The Referee

Egyptian official Amin Mohamed Omar has been assigned to officiate the clash in Uyo.

 

 

Fans will remember him from the 2024 AFCON semi-finals, where he officiated Nigeria’s victory over South Africa, a match that ended in penalties with Nigeria proceeding to the final.

 

 

Quotes from Both Camps

Augustine Eguavoen (Nigeria):

 

“It’s a new journey, we all know. Preparations towards the nations cup, the first game, and nothing short of winning. Expectations are high, we’re in good spirits, we’re at home, we respect people, and we expect nothing less than three points, nothing less than a win,”

 

 

“No, pressure personally, I am not but there is pressure in the air that we must win tomorrow (today). The mood in the camp is good, and we are coming out to win.”

 

 

Gernot Rohr (Benin):

 

“As a coach it is an advantage to know the opponents, but it does not mean it will be easy,” Rohr told a press conference ahead of the game.

 

“We know they have the better players, we don’t have the players in the big clubs like Nigeria. As a team, we have young players now, and I’m very optimistic that we can do something well.”

 

 

Media Coverage

Brila Media will bring you live reports straight from Uyo, so be sure to follow us across all platforms for up-to-the-minute updates!

 

 

Prediction

This is bound to be a tense encounter. Benin may have beaten Nigeria in their last meeting, but this time, with the Super Eagles playing at home and with fans behind them, the pressure is on to deliver.

 

 

With a strengthened defence, including the return of Ola Aina and Troost-Ekong, and the attacking prowess of Osimhen (if selected) alongside Boniface, Nigeria should come out on top.

 

 

 

But they’ll need to be clinical and cohesive. Expect a 2-0 victory for the Super Eagles if they take their chances and play as a united team.