The Super Eagles of Nigeria will take on the Cheetahs of Benin on Thursday at the Stade Félix Houphouet-Boigny in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, in their penultimate game in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
The three-time African Champions top Group D with 10 points after four games, and will qualify for the continental showpiece in Morocco with just a point from their final two games.
Bearing in mind how close the Super Eagles are to picking a qualification ticket, interim coach Augustine Eguavoen still listed a very formidable 23-man squad for the games against the Cheetahs and the Amavubi of Rwanda.
With the return of reigning African Footballer of the year, Victor Osimhen, the in-form Galatasaray forward is expected to lead the line irrespective of the tactics deployed by Eguavoen.
Meanwhile, going by the recent games under the tutelage of Eguavoen, a 3-4-3 line-up is the best bet for the current team, with South Africa-based goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali retaining his position in between the posts.
Roster for Benin Rep. & Rwanda Afcon Qualifiers #soarsupereagles pic.twitter.com/z7hS1Xqsbd
— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) November 6, 2024
In the absence of West Bromwich Albion defender Semilogo Ajayi, who has been a regular in the last two years, newly-invited Auxerre centre back Gabriel Osho should join Calvin Bassey and captain William Troost-Ekong in a three-man defence, while Ola Aina and Bright Osayi-Samuel should preferably get the nod as the wingbacks.
Osho has been a regular for his French club this season, and the 26-year-old comes in the mould of Ajayi due to his height, physicality, and ball-playing technique.
Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi should retain his spot in the base of the midfield, while Alex Iwobi should get a starting role too due to his recent form at Premier League club Fulham as well as his creative ability as he can pull the strings for the Super Eagles.
Rave of the moment, Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman, who is on course to win the 2024 CAF African men’s footballer of the year award, as well as AC Milan’s Samuel Chukwueze, can be trusted for the job on the flank, while Osimhen takes up his favourite number nine spot.
Predicted Super Eagles XI against Benin Republic (3-4-3)
Goalkeeper: Stanley Nwabali
Centre-backs: William Troost-Ekong, Gabriel Osho, Calvin Bassey,
Wingbacks: Ola Aina, Bright Osayi-Samuel
Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi
Forwards: Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen, Samuel Chukwueze
