Benin Republic is set to host Nigeria in a high-stakes clash in a Group D 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
The match will take place at the Stade de Houphouet Boigny in Abidjan, today, Thursday, November 14, 2024, with kick-off scheduled for 8:00 p.m. Nigerian time.
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.
The encounter promises to be intense, as the two West African rivals have built a fierce competitive history.
In June, Benin secured a 2-1 victory over Nigeria at this very venue during the first leg of their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.
Benin’s head coach, Gernot Rohr will be under pressure to secure a victory, as a loss could jeopardize Benin’s hopes of advancing to the AFCON tournament.
In his quest to strengthen the squad, Rohr has recalled five players: David Kiki, Tosin Aiyegun, Lenny Pirringuel, Ryan Adigo, and Serge Obassa. However, the team will be without experienced defender Cedric Hountondji, who is sidelined due to an injury.
On the Nigerian side, head coach Augustine Eguavoen has assembled a formidable squad, including star striker Victor Osimhen, who missed the previous match against Libya.
Ballon d’Or nominee Ademola Lookman is also in the squad, adding strength to Nigeria’s offensive front as they aim to maintain momentum in their bid for a fourth AFCON title.
|SituationReport|
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