The Super Eagles of Nigeria face Benin Republic on Thursday in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, for their crucial 2025 AFCON qualifier. This marks their third clash in six months, with Nigeria having won the first leg 3-0 in Uyo in September. The Super Eagles are aiming for victory to secure their automatic spot in next year’s tournament in Morocco.
A draw will suffice for Nigeria to advance, but a win is necessary to avoid a repeat of their 2-1 defeat to Benin at the same venue in June, during the World Cup qualifiers. Nigeria leads Group D with 10 points, while Benin, in second place, needs a win to stay in contention for the second automatic spot.
With a full-strength squad available, Coach Austin Eguavoen is expected to field a team similar to the one that triumphed over Libya in the last match. Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong, who missed the June defeat, has expressed confidence in his team’s ability to avenge that loss and secure a vital win.
The match will kick off at 8:00 pm Nigerian time.
