Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong is expecting another tough battle when they face Benin Republic in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers matchday five, Afrosport reports.
The two West African nations will lock horns at the Stade Felix Houphouet Boigny in Abidjan on Thursday, marking their third meeting in five months.
The Cheetahs got the better of Nigeria with a 2-1 win in the World Cup qualifiers in June at the same stadium, but the Super Eagles bounced back with a 3-0 win of their own on the opening day of the AFCON 2025 qualifiers in Uyo in September.
However, Troost-Ekong, who has started all three of Nigeria’s matches in the qualifiers so far, is sure the Cheetahs will put up a fight as they also strive to boost their chances of qualifying to the AFCON finals in Morocco next year.
“The stadium is a familiar one for us and we have good memories from the AFCON. We will rather focus on the positive results we have taken away from here and work hard for another good day in the office on Thursday,” Troost-Ekong said.
“It is not going to be easy because the Beninoise are also chasing a ticket to the final tournament. However, our objective is clear: three points on the night.”
The Super Eagles sit atop Group D with 10 points and only need a draw from their final two matches to confirm their place in Morocco.
Meanwhile, Benin’s Cheetahs are second with six points, but have Rwanda, who are on five points, breathing down their necks as they cannot afford any slipups.
The matchday five encounter between the two sides will kick off at 7 p.m. local time (8 p.m. Nigerian time).
You can watch the AFCON 2025 Qualifiers encounter between Benin Republic and the Super Eagles of Nigeria LIVE on Afrosport TV, and anyone in Nigeria can also stream for FREE on Afrosport TV Facebook page and via the VIDIVU online portal.
