Benin vs Nigeria: Preview, H2H, Team News, Prediction of AFCON 2025 qualifier

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

Nigeria’s Super Eagles will face Benin Republic in a matchday 5 fixture of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier on Thursday.

The game is scheduled to hold at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Abidjan – a neutral ground.

Preview

Nigeria is set to secure their spot in the 2025 AFCON with this match against Benin. The Super Eagles will finish with a final qualifier against Rwanda on matchday six. With 10 points at the top of the table already secured, Nigeria need just one more point to qualify.

But a victory would strengthen their grip in group D of the qualifiers. In the first leg in Uyo, Nigeria dominated Benin, winning massvely by three goals to nil.

ALSO READ:

• Federico Chiesa’s unpleasant start to life at Liverpool worrisome, raises concerns
• Jhon Duran: Aston Villa’s secret weapon is redefining the super-sub role
• 2025 AFCON Qualifiers: Super Eagles soar following entertaining win over Benin Republic
• Five takeaways from Super Eagles’ 2025 AFCON qualifiers draw against Rwanda

Benin, however, are second on the log. They have six points, one ahead of Rwanda. For them, a win here would be a huge boost in their AFCON push.

Meanwhile, Rwanda is set to face Libya before their final game against Nigeria. This gives them a chance to climb.

The AFCON 2025 qualifier between Benin and Nigeria promises to be interesting after the Super Eagles unpleasant ordeal in the last round when they travelled to Libya. That incident left the team stranded with CAF eventually awarding the West Africans three maximum points.

Head-to-Head

Nigeria has had the upper hand in recent encounters, winning seven of the last ten matches against Benin. However, Benin claimed a surprise 2-1 victory in June during a World Cup qualifier.

In their most recent clash in Uyo, Nigeria triumphed 3-0, with Ademola Lookman’s brace and a Victor Osimhen goal sealing the win. The Super Eagles will look to maintain their dominant record, while Benin hopes to make the most of being the host, even though the match is on neutral ground.

Benin

Benin faces some uncertainties regarding their lineup. Forward Matteo Ahlinvi is doubtful due to an injury, with his condition still unclear.

Steve Mounié, who scored in Benin’s last home win over Nigeria, will lead their attack. Junior Olaitan will support him.

Nigeria

Victor Osimhen, Nigeria’s top scorer, returns after missing the previous international break due to injury. His presence strengthens the Super Eagles’ frontline.

Ademola Lookman, in great form, also joins the squad, along with Sadiq Umar of Real Sociedad, who is returning from an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.

Defensively, Nigeria will be without Semi Ajayi, who has been sidelined due to a muscle injury.

Defenders Gabriel Osho of Auxerre and Victor Collins of Nasarawa United have been called up to fill the gap.

Match Prediction

Benin 1-2 Nigeria.

The match is scheduled to kick off at exactly 8pm Nigeria time.

Tags: #BENNGA, #SoarSuperEagles, #Team9jaStrong, #NFF, Benin Republic, Super Eagles, #NewsRoundTheClock, #AFCON2025Q, #nrtcnewsnigeria, #nrtcnews, #nrtcnigeria, #nrtcsports, Steve Mounie, Gabriel Osho, Victor Collins, Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen.