The Super Eagles will kickstart their journey to securing a spot in the next edition of the Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025, this Saturday when they battle the Cheetahs of Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.
The West African Neighbours are no strangers to each other as Nigeria, ranked fifth in the continent have always had the upper hand over Benin, the 19th ranked side in Africa.
This will be the sides second meeting in succession after Benin defeated Nigeria 2-1 in the African qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup in Abidjan in June.
Where and when is the match?
The Group D contest between Nigeria and Benin Republic in the AFCON 2025 Qualifiers, is scheduled to hold on Saturday, September 7 at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom.
⌛️ Nigeria 🆚 Benin #Afcon25Q Saturday 7th September in Uyo #soarsupereagles pic.twitter.com/bQ7ulbP5qE
— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) September 6, 2024
Historical Perspective – What do the stats say?
The Super Eagles and The Cheetahs of Benin Republic have an interesting head-to-head record with the Nigerian team clearly dominant in this fixture.
Of their 15 previous meetings, the three-time African champions have recorded 12 wins, two draws and one defeat, while Benin have only sealed one win over their neighbours, their 2-1 win in June.
Nigeria, losing finalists at the 2023 AFCON in Ivory Coast earlier in the year, are on a run of six wins, two draws, and four losses in their last 12 matches. However, in their last four games against West African opposition, they’ve lost three and won one.
Meanwhile, in their last 11 games, Benin have recorded two wins, four losses, and five draws, excluding the three points they got awarded during the 2023 AFCON qualifiers against Rwanda. In their recent matches against West African oppositions—friendlies against Ivory Coast and Senegal—they played out a 2-2 draw and suffered a 1-0 defeat, respectively, and recorded a victory against Nigeria.
Players to Watch Out For
Nigeria
Victor Osimhen: Despite an injury riddled 2023–24 campaign with Napoli, the Nigerian striker finished the season with 17 goals and four assists in 32 matches.
The 25-year-old, who just secured a move to Turkish side Galatasaray, is the country’s joint third all-time leading scorer with 21 goals in 35 matches. The Nigerian has a brilliant record in AFCON qualifiers with 15 goals and 8 assists in 12 matches, and he will be looking to return with a bang having missed the last few Super Eagles games.
Ademola Lookman: He enjoyed a fruitful 2023–24 campaign with his Italian club Atalanta, finishing the season with 17 goals and 10 assists in 47 matches.
The 26-year-old, who was recently nominated for the Ballon d’Or, was Nigeria’s joint top scorer at the AFCON with three goals, and he has six goals and four assists in 22 matches for the Super Eagles and will be looking to add to that tally after he was shutout in the last game against Benin.
William Troost-Ekong: One of Nigeria’s best performers at the AFCON, Troost-Ekong, who was named the MVP at the tournament in Ivory Coast, is making a return to the team after a knee injury.The Al-Kholood defender has made 71 appearances for Nigeria, scoring seven goals.
Benin
Steve Mounie: The 29-year-old Augsburg forward is the leading marksman for the Cheetahs of Benin, and he scored the winner in their 2-1 win over Nigeria.
Since making his national team debut in 2015, Mounie has scored 17 goals and provided three assists in 49 appearances, making him the nation’s third highest scorer behind Stephen Sessegnon and Razak Omotoyossi.
Jodel Dossou: One of the most experienced faces in Beninoise football, Dossou, has 63 caps to his name, the fourth most in the country’s history.
The 32-year-old midfielder, who plays for FC Sochaux in France, has 10 goals and seven assists for Benin since his debut in 2013, and he scored the opener in their 2-1 win over Nigeria.
What are the coaches saying?
Nigeria
Augustine Eguavoen: The 59-year-old will lead the Super Eagles in interim capacity following the debacle surrounding the contract situation with German Bruno Labbadia.
Eguavoen, in his fifth stint with the Nigerian national team has his mind set on claiming all available points from their two games, starting with the one against Benin.
“Our objective is clear: to pick the six points in both matches. The players know this and are committed to accomplishing this. The matches will not be easy; no qualifying game can be taken for granted because all the teams want to play in the finals. However, we have spoken to the players and all of us are on the same page,” he said.
“Starting with the match against Benin Republic on Saturday, nobody is mentioning anything about revenge. Our goal is three points, and then we aim for another three points in Kigali on Tuesday that will put us in good stead for qualification.”
Benin
Gernot Rohr: The German coach knows the Super Eagles in and out having been at the helm for a five-year period from 2016-2021.
Rohr led the Cheetahs to their first win over Nigeria in June and 71-year-old believes he has an advantage with his prior knowledge of the team and its players.
“It is an advantage to know the opponents a little bit. We know that Nigeria has the best players and that they play in the best clubs. As a team, we have young players, and I am optimistic that we can do something together and be a good opponent for the Super Eagles,” he said.
How to watch Nigeria vs Benin Republic game
You can watch the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers between Nigeria and Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium LIVE on Afrosport TV, NTA, AIT, Afia TV, Wazobia Max and BON (Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria) member stations anywhere in Nigeria.
Anyone in Nigeria can also watch the match LIVE on their phone on the GO via Afrosport mobile platforms. You can stream for FREE on Afrosport TV Facebook page and via the VIDIVU online portal.
Note that the streaming options are available for viewers in Nigeria only.
