Nigeria vs Benin: AFCON 2025 Qualifier Preview, Team News, Date, Time, How to Watch
Nigeria vs Benin: AFCON 2025 Qualifier Preview, Team News, Date, Time, Head to Head and How to Watch
The stage is set for a crucial Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 qualifier between Nigeria and Benin at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo. Both teams are vying for a spot in the prestigious tournament, with Nigeria looking to avenge their previous defeat to Benin in the 2026 World Cup qualifying series.
Nigeria vs Benin Republic Match Preview
In June, Benin stunned Nigeria with a 2-1 victory in the FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifiers, a result that has left the Super Eagles seeking revenge. Gernot Rohr, Benin’s head coach and former Nigeria coach, will look to replicate that success, believing his team can once again upset the three-time African champions.
Nigeria, under the guidance of Augustine Eguavoen, will be determined to claim all three points and take the lead in Group D, which also features Rwanda and Libya. With Libya and Rwanda playing out a 1-1 draw, this match offers a crucial opportunity for the Super Eagles to assert dominance early in the qualification campaign.
Team News
The Super Eagles’ squad has been nearly fully assembled, with 22 of the 23 invited players already in Uyo. However, star striker Victor Osimhen, who recently completed a loan move to Galatasaray, has yet to report to camp. There are concerns that Osimhen might miss the match due to the complexities surrounding his transfer.
Head coach Augustine Eguavoen remains confident of a strong showing, expressing his dedication to leading Nigeria to victory. Speaking to SuperSport, he said:
“I will do it for the love of the country and the game. Football gave me name and fame, and the country gave me the opportunity, so it’s difficult to say no at this point because of the circumstances we find ourselves in.”
Meanwhile, Terem Moffi remains sidelined with a long-term injury after suffering an ACL tear. Victor Boniface and Taiwo Awoniyi are expected to lead the attack in Osimhen’s potential absence.
On the Benin side, Rohr will be without star striker Mohamed Tijani, who is out with an injury. Despite this setback, Rohr is optimistic about his team’s chances, stating:
“I am used to the environment, the players and all. I am also positive that we will leave Nigeria with a result.”
Date, Time, and How to Watch
- Date: Saturday, September 7, 2024
- Kick-off Time: 5:00 PM (Nigerian time)
- Venue: Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo
- Where to Watch: The match will be broadcast live on SuperSport and NTA on StarTimes.
Predicted Line-Ups
Nigeria (4-3-3)
- Goalkeeper: Stanley Nwabali
- Defenders: William Troost-Ekong, Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina, Bruno Onyemaechi
- Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru
- Forwards: Victor Boniface, Samuel Chukwueze, Ademola Lookman
Benin (4-2-3-1)
- Goalkeeper: Marcel Dandjinou
- Defenders: Abdoul Moumini, Cedric Hountondji, Yohan Roche, David Kiki
- Midfielders: Sessi D’Almeida, Jodel Dossou, Douko Dodo, Hassane Imourane, Junior Olaitan
- Forward: Steve Mounie
Nigeria vs Benin Head to Head.
Here’s the head-to-head record between Nigeria and Benin
- Games won by Nigeria: 13
- Games drawn: 2
- Games lost by Nigeria: 2
Setbacks for Nigeria
Nigeria has been hit with an additional injury concern, as fullback Bright Osayi-Samuel suffered an ankle injury ahead of the qualifiers, ruling him out of the upcoming matches. The Super Eagles will need to adjust their lineup as they prepare for back-to-back fixtures against Benin and Rwanda.
This encounter is set to be a thrilling affair, with both sides eager to secure a positive result on their road to AFCON 2025.
