- Nigeria starts their 2025 AFCON journey against Benin after a 2-1 World Cup qualifier loss
- Terem Moffi is ruled out with an ACL injury, leaving Boniface and Awoniyi to lead the attack
- The game will kick off at 5 pm Nigerian time at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium
The Super Eagles of Nigeria are set to commence their journey for the 2025 AFCON qualifiers, with an opening fixture against their West African neighbours, Benin.
The teams recently faced off in June during a FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifier, where Benin, under the guidance of Gernot Rohr, stunned the three-time African champions with a 2-1 victory in Abidjan.
Both Nigeria and Benin find themselves in Group D of the AFCON 2025 qualifiers, alongside Rwanda and Libya, making this match crucial for their campaigns.
Team News:
All eyes will be on Galatasaray’s newest signing, Victor Osimhen, who could start from the bench after coming late to the camp due to his recent transfer saga with Napoli. However, a lot of fans will be eager to see him play a good number of minutes in the match.
Coach Eguavoen remains optimistic going into the match, stating,
“I will do it for the love of the country and the game. Remember, 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.”
The Super Eagles will also be without Terem Moffi, who remains sidelined with an ACL injury sustained before the season began. Instead, Taiwo Awoniyi and Victor Boniface are expected to spearhead Nigeria's attack against their West African rivals.
On the opposite side, Benin’s Gernot Rohr will be missing his star striker, Mohamed Tijani, due to injury. Rohr, a former Nigeria coach himself, is hopeful of getting a positive result against his old team.
“I am used to the environment, the players, and all. I am also positive that we will leave Nigeria with a result,” said the experienced German tactician.
Match Details:
The AFCON qualifier between Nigeria and Benin will take place at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Saturday, September 7, with kick-off scheduled for 5 pm Nigerian time. This will mark the second time both sides meet in just four months, with Benin triumphing 2-1 in their last encounter.
Nigeria has had the upper hand historically, winning eight of the last ten encounters between the two sides since 2004. However, the Super Eagles have lost three of their last five matches, while Benin recently ended a poor run by defeating Nigeria in June.
Gernot Rohr, who led Nigeria between 2016 and 2021, will be ready to cause another upset.
Predicted Lineups:
TheRadar has predicted below lineups for the two sides going into the match.
Nigeria (4-3-3): Nwabali; Aina, Ekong, Ajayi, Bassey; Ndidi, Onyedika, Iwobi; Lookman, Boniface, Awoniyi.
Benin (4-3-3): Dandjinou; Moumini, Hountondji, Tijani, Kiki; Dokou, D’Almeida, Imourane; Dossou, Mounie, Olaitan.
"We have the materials, we have the players" - Eguavoen on Super Eagles' road to redemption
Previously, TheRadar reported that as the 2013 AFCON champions gear up to face a Gernot Rohr-led Benin side in their first qualifying fixture, all eyes are on the Super Eagles.
The team is set to begin their quest for redemption after consistent woeful performances, with just four days left before the encounter.
Nigeria's interim head coach, Augustine Eguavoen, has made it clear that while the Super Eagles will show respect to their opponents, they will fiercely defend their home ground.
