Former Nigerian international Friday Ekpo has expressed confidence that the Super Eagles will defeat Benin Republic in Thursday’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier and secure their place at the tournament.
Softfootball understands that Nigeria need just one point against the Cheetahs to book their ticket to the continental showpiece, but Ekpo believes the Super Eagles have enough quality to leave Abidjan with maximum points.
The fixture will be played at the Félix Houphouët-Boigny Stadium in Côte d’Ivoire after Benin Republic failed to secure approval to host the match on home soil.
Nigeria cruised to a 3-0 victory in the reverse fixture, with Ademola Lookman scoring twice before Victor Osimhen added the third goal to complete an emphatic win.
Despite acknowledging that Benin Republic will be eager to make life difficult for Augustine Eguavoen’s side, Ekpo believes the Super Eagles’ attacking firepower will prove decisive.
He added that Nigeria will also be motivated by the memory of their 2-1 defeat to Benin in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, which was played at the same venue earlier this year.
According to the former midfielder, the Super Eagles have both the quality and determination to gain revenge and finish the job by claiming all three points after 90 minutes.
