The fixture marks the second meeting between the two sides in just four months, following their World Cup qualifier in June, where Benin’s Cheetahs secured a 2-1 victory.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria are preparing to kick off their 2025 AFCON campaign with a match against their West African neighbors, Benin.
Nigeria will take on Benin Republic in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match on Saturday, September 7 at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.
The fixture marks the second meeting between the two sides in just four months, following their World Cup qualifier in June, where Benin’s Cheetahs secured a 2-1 victory.
In the previous encounter, Nigeria took an early lead through Rapheal Onyedika, who scored three minutes before the half-hour mark.
However, Benin quickly responded, with Jodel Dossou equalizing just 10 minutes later, and Steve Mounie netting the winning goal during first-half stoppage time.
This defeat triggered the demotion and eventual resignation of Finidi George as head coach, leaving the Super Eagles without a leader until recently.
The coaching situation took a dramatic turn when the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) announced German coach Bruno Labbadia as the new head coach.
However, the deal fell through after contract negotiations between Labbadia and the NFF failed to materialize. In the wake of this fallout, Augustine Eguavoen was appointed as the interim coach, marking his third stint at the helm of the national team.
The upcoming match will be the eighth encounter between Nigeria and Benin, with the Super Eagles having won six of their previous seven meetings. Benin’s two victories include their recent triumph under former Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr, who now leads the Cheetahs and masterminded their upset win in June.
Nigeria vs Benin: Team News and Possible Lineups
The Super Eagles will welcome back key players, including Galatasaray’s new striker Victor Osimhen and William Troost-Ekong, who was named the player of the tournament at AFCON 2023.
Both players missed June’s World Cup qualifiers due to injuries but are now set to reinforce Nigeria’s squad as they seek to avenge their recent loss to Benin and begin their journey to AFCON 2025 on a strong note.
Nigeria vs Benin: How to watch
There is no official confirmation of what channel the Super Eagles match against Benin Republic will be aired. But fans can follow the social media channels of the NFF for match updates.
