As Nigeria’s Super Eagles prepare to face the Cheetahs of Benin Republic in a critical 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier, the stakes could not be higher. A win in Thursday’s Matchday 5 clash in Abidjan would cement Nigeria’s place in the 35th AFCON tournament, set to be hosted by Morocco. With three wins out of four previous matches, and a single draw against Rwanda, the Super Eagles enter this encounter with a commanding lead in the group, currently sitting four points ahead of Benin.
Nigeria’s performance has been dominant thus far, with 10 points accrued from four matches. Benin Republic, in second place with six points, stumbled against Rwanda in the previous round, placing additional pressure on them to secure a positive result against the Eagles. A win for Nigeria would virtually secure their top position in the group. For the Cheetahs, however, a loss could be disastrous, as they could still be tossed if they lose their last two games and Rwanda, on five, earn a minimum of two points in their own final two. Even Libya, with only one point, can still leap over Benin Republic if they beat Rwanda in Kigali, the Cheetahs are bumped by the Eagles, and the Knights rout the Cheetahs in North Africa on Monday.
The group’s shifting dynamics set the stage for a thrilling showdown at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny in Abidjan, as Benin, aware of the consequences of another slip-up, will fight to keep their AFCON dreams alive.
The Super Eagles will be without England-based centre-back Semi Ajayi due to injury. Head Coach Augustine Eguavoen is expected to field a backline similar to the one that successfully held the Mediterranean Knights of Libya in Uyo last month. This likely includes captain William Troost-Ekong and Calvin Bassey in central defense, supported by Olaoluwa Aina and Bruno Onyemaechi as wing-backs.
In the midfield, Nigeria boasts a wealth of talent, with Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru among the options available to Eguavoen. The defensive pairing of Frank Onyeka and Raphael Onyedika could bring additional stability, while attacking talents Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Victor Boniface, Samuel Chukwueze, Sadiq Umar, and Kelechi Iheanacho are all poised to contribute in the offensive line.
A victory in Abidjan would render Monday’s concluding qualifier against Rwanda, at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, a mere formality for the Eagles. This would allow Nigeria to approach the game without pressure, focusing on maintaining form and perhaps experimenting with squad depth. Rwanda, on the other hand, would be eager to leverage the encounter to improve their standing.
With qualification within reach, Nigeria’s Super Eagles are prepared for a fierce battle, aiming to confirm their spot at the 2025 AFCON and strengthen their position as one of Africa’s elite teams. As fans eagerly await the outcome, all eyes are set on the Ivorian capital, where Thursday’s game promises to be a thrilling display of skill, strategy, and determination.
Melissa Enoch
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