Benin vs Nigeria: Super Eagles Eye AFCON Qualification in Crucial Match

Nigeria’s Super Eagles are on the brink of securing their place in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations as they face Benin in their penultimate qualifying match on Thursday, November 14, 2024. The game is set to take place at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, a venue that holds bitter memories for Nigeria after their agonizing loss to Ivory Coast in this year’s AFCON final in February.

Nigeria, currently undefeated and leading Group D with 10 points, need only a draw to guarantee their spot in the finals. However, they are aiming for a win to solidify their position ahead of their final group match against Rwanda on Monday. The Super Eagles have been in strong form, having secured five wins and five clean sheets in their last six AFCON qualifiers, excluding the match against Libya which was awarded to them by the Confederation of African Football.

The Nigerian squad is bolstered by the return of star striker Victor Osimhen, who missed the last international break due to injury. Other key players include Ademola Lookman, a Ballon d’Or nominee, and Sadiq Umar, who returns from a lengthy ACL injury. However, they will be without defender Semi Ajayi due to a muscle injury.

Benin, coached by former Nigeria boss Gernot Rohr, are in a precarious position, sitting second in the group with six points. They need a win to enhance their qualification hopes, especially with Rwanda just a point behind. Benin’s captain, Steve Mounie, and forward Matteo Ahlinvi, who is an injury doubt, will be crucial to their chances. Mounie has expressed optimism about his team’s ability to replicate their 2-1 victory over Nigeria in a June World Cup qualifier.

The match promises to be intense, with both teams aware of the stakes. Nigeria’s interim coach, Austin Eguavoen, has emphasized the importance of securing maximum points, while Rohr has highlighted the need for Benin to maintain defensive solidity and organization to pose a threat to the favorites).

The game kicks off at 7 PM GMT, and while it will not be televised in the UK, fans can follow the action through live text updates and online streaming platforms such as bet365).