•Nigeria’s players celebrate goal
The Super Eagles are back in action when they take on Benin Republic in a Group D qualification match for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) today.
Nigeria, with 10 points on the log, are leading the lot and need just a point to reach the competition taking place in late 2025, reports AFP.
The Super Eagles beat the Cheetahs 3-0 in the first leg of the clash held earlier in the year and will be targeting a similar result at the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire which is Benin Republic’s adopted home ground.
Their opponents are four points behind them and are aiming for a repeat of their shocking 2-1 win against the same opponent in June during a 2026 World Cup qualifier. Victory will boost their chances of making it to the continental competition.
Coach Austine Eguavoen’s men have won three of their four games so far in the qualification race for the next AFCON, conceding just once.
Eguavoen has a full complement of men going into the game barring centre back Semi Ajayi who is nursing an injury. Star striker Victor Osimen is also back in the Super Eagles’ fold after missing out in Nigeria’s aborted clash with Libya.
‘We Fight For Every Ball’
Ahead of the encounter, he said his team want to clinch all three points at stake.
“The mindset we come into games is to win but it is easier said than done. We fight for every ball, we fight for every point and that’s what we want to do tomorrow [today],” he said.
“With respect to that, the Benin Republic is not a pushover, but we will work hard to make sure we achieve our objective.”
If Nigeria draw or win the game, it will render next week’s clash with Rwanda in Uyo, Akwa Ibom, a dead rubber tie.
The match will take place today by 8:00pm Nigeria time.
