Nigeria prepares in Abidjan, as they face Benin in their penultimate match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
This crucial encounter will be held at a neutral venue, Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny, but both teams are expected to bring their competitive edge to the pitch.
Nigeria’s Qualification Target
Nigeria aims to secure their qualification spot in the 2025 AFCON with this fixture against Benin, followed by a final match against Rwanda.
Currently top of the table with 10 points, the Super Eagles need only a single point to confirm their place in the tournament.
However, a win would make a strong statement, further establishing their dominance in the group.
The Super Eagles dominated Benin 3-0 in the first leg in Uyo, putting them in a favorable position. For Benin, on the other hand, this match is a pivotal opportunity to advance their AFCON aspirations.
They sit with six points, one above Rwanda, and a win would significantly bolster their qualifying chances.
Rwanda, meanwhile, will face Libya before meeting Nigeria in their final qualifier.
This fixture marks Nigeria’s return to the pitch after their unfortunate ordeal in Libya, where logistical issues left them stranded.
Following that incident, CAF awarded the Super Eagles three points, adding to their commanding position in Group D.
Head-to-Head Record
Nigeria has historically dominated this matchup, winning seven of the ten past encounters against Benin. However, Benin claimed a recent victory in June during a World Cup qualifier, showing they can be competitive.
Their most recent clash ended in a 3-0 victory for Nigeria in Uyo, with stars Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen leading the charge.
The Super Eagles will aim to maintain their strong record, while Benin hopes to capitalize on being the host, despite the match taking place on neutral ground.
(Photo by ISSOUF SANOGO/AFP via Getty Images)
Team News
Benin
Benin faces a few lineup uncertainties. Forward Matteo Ahlinvi is a doubt due to a club-related injury, with his status still under assessment.
Augsburg’s Steve Mounié, who scored in Benin’s last home win against Nigeria, will be a key player in the attack, supported by Junior Olaitan of Grenoble.
Nigeria
Nigeria’s top scorer, Victor Osimhen, returns after missing the last international window due to injury, adding a critical boost to the Super Eagles’ frontline.
Ademola Lookman, who has been in excellent form, also joins the squad, as does Real Sociedad’s Sadiq Umar, who returns from a lengthy ACL injury.
Defensively, Nigeria will be without Semi Ajayi, sidelined with a muscle injury. In his absence, Gabriel Osho of Auxerre and Victor Collins of Nasarawa United have been called up to reinforce the backline.
Quotes from the Camps
Nigeria – Coach Augustine Eguavoen
Nigeria’s interim head coach, Austin Eguavoen. Photo | X
“We’ll fight for every ball, fight for every point, and that’s what we want to do tomorrow. In respect to that, Benin is not a pushover, but we will work hard to make sure we achieve our objective.”
Benin – Coach Gernot Rohr
Benin’s head coach Gernot Rohr. (Photo by ISSOUF SANOGO/AFP via Getty Images)
“Repeating the feat of June is going to be complicated, because Nigeria is now at full strength, but we believe in ourselves.”
Match Details
Date: Thursday, November 14
Kickoff Time: 20:00 WAT
Venue: Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
Prediction
The Super Eagles, who have gone unbeaten and kept a clean sheet in their last three matches, currently lead Group D with 10 points.
While Benin will approach this as a must-win, Nigeria’s form and depth give them the edge to claim the maximum points in Abidjan. Another 3-0 win could be on the cards for the Super Eagles.
