Benin Republic have been dealt another setback ahead of Thursday’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Nigeria, with two more players ruled out of the crucial fixtures against the Super Eagles and Libya.
Softfootball understands that midfielder Matteo Ahlinvi and left-back David Kiki will both miss the upcoming qualifiers, further reducing Gernot Rohr’s options.
Ahlinvi sustained an injury while featuring for Swedish club Vasteras last weekend and will remain with his club to undergo treatment.
Kiki has travelled with the Benin squad to Abidjan but has not yet regained full match fitness after spending two months on the sidelines.
Speaking on the defender’s condition, Rohr explained that Kiki has recovered from injury but is not yet ready to return to competitive action.
The latest absences add to Benin’s growing injury concerns, with experienced defenders Cédric Hountondji and Olivier Verdon already ruled out of the decisive qualification matches.
Despite losing four key players, Rohr has opted not to call up replacements as his side prepares for the must-win encounter against the Super Eagles before facing Libya in their final Group D fixture.
