Benin Republic vs Nigeria: 2025 AFCON qualifier match preview
Nigeria’s Super Eagles are getting ready for an vital African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match towards Benin Republic on Thursday, November 14, on the Stade Félix Houphouët Boigny.
This encounter marks Nigeria’s first recreation since an unsettling incident that left the crew stranded in Libya, in the end resulting in the Confederation of African Football (CAF) awarding them most factors from that fixture.
With this enhance, Nigeria’s factors tally now stands at 10, placing them only one level away from securing their place on the 2025 AFCON in Morocco.
On the opposite hand, Benin is dealing with a must-win scenario to take care of their hopes of qualifying as they head into the ultimate group recreation. The Cheetahs not too long ago achieved a 2-1 victory over Libya in Abidjan and adopted that up with a formidable 3-0 win towards Rwanda. However, in addition they suffered a setback with a 2-1 defeat in Rwanda, their second loss since falling to Nigeria of their opening qualifying match.
The upcoming conflict represents the tenth encounter between the 2 groups, with Nigeria having the higher hand traditionally, profitable seven out of the earlier 9 conferences, whereas Benin has claimed victory twice.
In the earlier match, Nigeria secured a convincing 3-0 win with standout performances from Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen.
As each groups put together for this significant face-off, Nigeria welcomes again in-form Galatasaray striker Osimhen, who missed the final recreation attributable to harm. Alongside him are Ballon d’Or nominee Lookman and Sadiq Umar, coming back from an ACL harm.
However, Semi Ajayi will probably be absent attributable to a muscle tear, with Gabriel Osho stepping in for him, and Olisa Ndah’s harm has paved the way in which for home-based defender Victor Collins to be included within the squad.
Benin, in the meantime, may miss ahead Matteo Ahlinvi, who suffered an harm in a latest match however is predicted to affix the camp for additional analysis. Nevertheless, the crew retains key gamers like Steve Mounié and Junior Olaitan, each of whom are decided to problem the Super Eagles.
Predicted Lineups
Benin is prone to area a 4-3-3 formation with Dandjinou in objective, supported by Moumini, Hountondji, Tijani, and Kiki on the again. The midfield consists of Dokou, D’Almeida, and Imourane, whereas Dossou, Mounié, and Olaitan lead the assault.
Nigeria can be anticipated to undertake a 4-3-3 technique, that includes Nwabali in objective, with Aina, Ekong, Bassey, and Onyeamachi as defenders. Ndidi, Onyedika, and Iwobi will anchor the midfield, whereas Lookman, Osimhen, and Simon spearhead the offense.
