Nigeria will host Benin at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Saturday in a West African derby, looking to start their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign on a high note.
The Super Eagles are out for revenge after a 2-1 defeat to Benin in a World Cup qualifier in June.
Nigeria took the lead through Raphael Onyedika in that match, but goals from Jodel Dossou and Steve Mounie secured a comeback win for Benin.
That loss led to the resignation of head coach Finidi George, and after a lengthy search, Augustine Eguavoen was appointed interim coach, marking his third stint with the team. Eguavoen’s immediate task is to end Nigeria’s three-match winless run and kick off their AFCON qualifiers with a victory.
Despite their recent struggles, the Super Eagles have been strong in AFCON qualifiers, with only one defeat in their last 12 matches.
Returning stars Victor Osimhen and William Troost-Ekong will provide a major boost, while Taiwo Awoniyi is back after a long injury absence. Bright Osayi-Samuel has been replaced by Benjamin Tanimu due to injury.
Meanwhile, former Nigeria head coach Gernot Rohr will look to guide Benin to their first AFCON since 2019. Under Rohr, the Cheetahs have shown improvement, winning their last two matches.
Though Benin have never won on Nigerian soil, they enter the match with confidence after their June victory.
Nigeria’s probable starting XI includes Nwabali, Aina, Ekong, Ajayi, and Osimhen. Benin is likely to field Dossou and Mounie in attack once again, aiming to replicate their previous success.
This clash promises to be a fierce encounter, with Nigeria determined to bounce back and secure a vital win.
