Nigeria’s Super Eagles will secure qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations if they defeat Benin Republic in Thursday’s Group D qualifier at the Félix Houphouët-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan.
Softfootball understands that Augustine Eguavoen’s side head into the encounter in a commanding position after collecting 10 points from four matches, having recorded three wins and one draw.
Victory over the Cheetahs would not only confirm Nigeria’s place at the tournament but also put them in a strong position to finish top of the group.
Benin Republic, currently second with six points, face a must-win situation after their setback against Rwanda in the previous round.
Another defeat would leave Gernot Rohr’s men vulnerable, with Rwanda and even bottom-placed Libya still capable of challenging for qualification depending on other results.
The high stakes for both teams are expected to produce an intense contest in the Ivorian capital.
With Semi Ajayi unavailable through injury, Eguavoen is expected to retain the defensive unit that featured against Libya in October. Captain William Troost-Ekong is likely to partner Calvin Bassey in central defence, with Ola Aina and Bruno Onyemaechi occupying the full-back positions.
Nigeria also have an abundance of options in midfield, including Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Frank Onyeka, Raphael Onyedika, and Alhassan Yusuf, while the attacking department boasts the likes of Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Victor Boniface, Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Kelechi Iheanacho, and Umar Sadiq.
A win on Thursday would make Monday’s final group match against Rwanda in Uyo largely a formality for the Super Eagles, while the visitors would likely still have qualification hopes riding on the outcome. With qualification within touching distance, Nigeria will be determined to get the job done at the earliest opportunity.
