Reigning African Footballer of the Year, Victor Osimhen, will start from the bench as the Super Eagles take on Benin in the first game of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, Afrosport reports.
The 25-year-old arrived in camp on Thursday after completing a loan move to Turkish giants Galatasaray from Napoli and is understandably not fit enough to make the starting XI having been left out of the Partenopei squad during pre-season and the start of the 2024-25 Serie A campaign.
In the place of Osimhen, Bayer Leverkusen forward Victor Boniface will lead the Eagles attack, flanked by 2024 Ballon D’or nominee Ademola Lookman and AC Milan winger Samuel Chukwueze.
The midfield comprises the trio of Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi and Bruno Onyemaechi while the defence is made up of Ola Aina and Calvin Bassey as fullbacks, with returning captain William Troost-Ekong and Semi Ajayi as centre-backs.
Chippa United goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali retains his place between the sticks.
🚨 GAME O’CLOCK ⏱️
🇳🇬 Victor Boniface is the man in front! 🔥#AFCON2025 #NGRBEN pic.twitter.com/dr2kET0qlW— AfroSport (@AfroSportTV) September 7, 2024
The game will see former international Augustine Eguavoen take to the dugout as interim manager for the fourth time after previous stints in 20o6, 2010 and 2021.
It is also a most-win for the Super Eagles who were previously beaten by Benin under the watch of former Nigeria manager Gernot Rohr, during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers back in June.
