African giants Nigeria are set to begin their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers with a showdown against the Cheetahs of Benin at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo tomorrow evening. Joining the Super Eagles and the Cheetahs in Group D are Rwanda and Libya, who played to a 1-1 draw earlier this week.
Just under three months ago, these two teams clashed in a critical 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier, where Benin pulled off an unexpected 2-1 victory in neighbouring Ivory Coast. This result has cast major doubt on the Super Eagles’ World Cup qualification hopes and prompted changes in their technical crew. The hosts will undoubtedly be seeking revenge in this match.
Interim coach Austin Eguavoen, who has previously led the team on three occasions without success, is no stranger to such challenges. After guiding the Super Eagles through the group stages of the 2021 AFCON in Cameroon, they were knocked out by Tunisia in the second round. His recent attempt to secure Nigeria’s 2022 World Cup ticket also fell short. The pressing question now is: Can Eguavoen succeed this time?
While Nigeria are favourites according to bookmakers, Benin enter the match with momentum, having secured back-to-back victories in their last two games.
Benin coach Gernot Rohr, who led Nigeria for nearly four years, is well-acquainted with most of the Super Eagles players. He will rely on this expertise as he anticipates a strong response from Nigeria in Uyo.
However, the Nigerian team that Benin will face in Uyo is not the same as the one they defeated in the World Cup qualifier. Reigning African Player of the Year, Victor Osimhen, and AFCON 2023 Player of the Tournament, William Troost-Ekong, have both returned to the squad after missing June’s World Cup qualifiers due to injuries.
Additionally, Taiwo Awoniyi, who has been absent from the team since November due to injuries and lack of call-ups, is also back in the squad.
Meanwhile, Fenerbahce defender Bright Osayi-Samuel has had to withdraw due to injury and has been replaced by Crawley Town’s new signing, Benjamin Tanimu.
Nigerians expect the Super Eagles to adopt a different approach and strategy against their visitors. A victory today would mark a strong start to the 2025 AFCON qualifying campaign and bring joy to fans across the nation.
Caretaker coach Austin Eguavoen has urged his team to go all out for victory. For the Eagles, it’s payback time.
On the other hand, former Nigeria head coach Gernot Rohr will be looking to add to his old side’s woes as he aims to guide Benin to their first AFCON since 2019.
The Cheetahs have won three of 12 matches under Rohr, drawing four and losing five since he took over as head coach in February 2023. However, their first win was awarded by CAF after Rwanda fielded an ineligible player in an AFCON 2023 qualifying match against Benin, while the other two victories have come in their last two games, signaling improvement they hope to continue when they face the Super Eagles once again.
Benin have never won on Nigerian soil, losing 2-1 on their only trip there in 2019 for an AFCON qualifier, but the Cheetahs are more confident than ever heading into this clash, given Rohr’s familiarity with the Nigerian team and their recent victory.
Nigeria, who finished as runners-up in the last AFCON edition, have lost just one of their last 12 AFCON qualifying matches—a record they will be keen to maintain.
