Morocco 2025: Super Eagles clash with Benin Republic for AFCON qualification

Nigeria’s Super Eagles, the reigning African vice-champions, are on the verge of securing qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) as they face the Cheetahs of Benin Republic in a crucial Matchday 5 qualifier on Thursday in Abidjan.

A victory in this match would guarantee Nigeria’s spot in the final tournament, setting the stage for a high-stakes encounter under the officiation of Senegalese referee Issa Sy.

The Super Eagles have had a strong qualifying campaign, securing 10 points from three wins and a draw in four matches, including a tie with Rwanda in Kigali on Matchday 2.

This record places Nigeria comfortably at the top of their group, four points clear of Benin, who slipped up against Rwanda in their previous game.

A win on Thursday would solidify Nigeria’s position as group leaders heading into the final round.

Meanwhile, the Cheetahs are feeling the pressure, as they sit at six points and risk elimination if they falter.

With Rwanda only a point behind and Libya still mathematically in the race, Benin faces a must-win scenario to keep their AFCON dreams alive.

If Benin loses and Rwanda earns at least two points in their remaining games, the Cheetahs’ qualification hopes could be dashed.

The encounter promises to be a fierce 90 minutes at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny in Abidjan as both teams fight for their place in the tournament.

With England-based centre-back Semi Ajayi absent as a result of injury, Coach Augustine Eguavoen is most likely to start with the rearguard that squared up to the Mediterranean Knights of Libya in Uyo last month, meaning Captain William Ekong and Calvin Bassey at centre back, with wing-backs Olaoluwa Aina and Bruno Onyemaechi.

Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi and the couple of defensive midfielders Frank Onyeka and Raphael Onyedika are available for the spaces in the middle, while Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Victor Boniface, Samuel Chukwueze, Sadiq Umar and Kelechi Iheanacho are in the selection pool for the fore.

Victory will render Monday’s concluding qualifier against Rwanda, at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, an academic session, with only the visitors keen to try and get something out of the clash while the Eagles play for sheer pride.