Nigeria's Super Eagles Ready to Face Benin Republic in AFCON Qualifier

The Nigerian Super Eagles will face off against the Benin Republic's Cheetahs in a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier on Thursday at 8 p.m. The match will be held at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium in Abidjan, marking a crucial game for both teams.

The Super Eagles enter the match with a recent boost, as the CAF disciplinary committee awarded Nigeria three points and three goals for their postponed match against Libya. Nigeria’s squad had been held at Al-Abraq Airport for over 18 hours when they traveled for the second leg against the Mediterranean Knights.

Meanwhile, Benin Republic comes into the game following a 2-1 loss to Rwanda. In their last matchup, held in September at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Nigeria defeated Benin 3-0, with goals from Victor Osimhen and a brace from Ademola Lookman.

Interim coach Augustine Eguavoen has announced his 23-man squad for the qualifiers against Rwanda on Monday in Uyo and Benin on Thursday. Notably, he has recalled Victor Osimhen, who returns to the lineup after recovering from an injury that kept him out of the previous match.

The Super Eagles currently lead Group D in the AFCON qualifiers with 10 points from four games. Benin Republic is in second place with six points, while Rwanda, coached by Gernot Rohr, is close behind with five points. Libya, with only one point, is at the bottom of the group standings.

With just one win in their remaining two games against Rwanda and Benin Republic, Nigeria would secure their spot in the AFCON 2025 tournament in Morocco. So far, Morocco, Algeria, Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Senegal, Burkina Faso, and Cameroon have already qualified.