The Super Eagles of Nigeria will be looking to kick-off their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers on a strong note when they welcome Benin to the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Saturday, Soccernet.ng reports.
It has been a few torrid months for Nigeria since their impressive performances at the 2023 AFCON earlier this year. Under the tutelage of Jose Peseiro, the three-time African champions reached the final but surrendered a one-goal lead to lose 2-1.
However, since the Super Eagles left that tournament, aside from Peseiro, who left the team, the ability and mentality to win games has also left them.
Of the four games the Super Eagles played, they won one, lost two, and drew one. All these results were under coach Finidi George, who parted ways with the Nigeria Football Federation in June.
However, after the NFF's merry-go-round concerning a new coach, Victor Osimhen's insubordination, and the purported appointment of Bruno Labbadia, interim coach Augustine Eguavoen will be looking to return the Super Eagles to winning ways.
Match details
It will be a return to Nigeria for Benin coach Gernot Rohr, who was in charge of the Super Eagles between 2016 and 2021.
The Franco-German tactician knows the Super Eagles squad well, which could play in the Cheetah's favour.
On the other hand, Eguavoen was announced as the coach to see the Super Eagles through the next set of games after the comedy of errors from the NFF in their appointment of a new coach.
Eguavoen has already worked with most of the players before, so that they won't be strange to his tactics or his style of play.
Team News
Coach Eguavoen will have the full complements of his squad for the fixture except for Osayi-Samuel, who sustained an injury while on club duty. In his place, Benjamin Tanimu was called up to replace him.
Also, Osimhen may not feature as he has not played a football match since June and has been busy sorting out his future.
Terem Moffi remains a long-term absentee after suffering an ACL before the start of the season.
For Benin, Rohr will not have the services of all his star players except Mohamed Tijani, who is currently struggling with a niggling injury.
Head-to-head
The last time both countries played, Benin defeated Nigeria 2-1 at a neutral venue in Ivory Coast. The Super Eagles dominated the tie but lacked the cutting edge in the final third. That signalled Nigeria's first-ever loss to their West African neighbours in six meetings.
Benin lost just one of their last five games, an away game against Senegal. On the other hand, Nigeria have won just one of their last five games.
Match analysis
Although Benin won the last game, Nigeria dominated the fixture. Also, stars like Osimhen and William Troost-Ekong were absent from that game.
However, those players will be present for the next game and will likely start. With Eguavoen's well-known attacking tactics, Nigeria is expected to dominate the play. The Super Eagles will also try to score early to banish the ghosts of the last game.
On the other hand, Benin will be comfortable sitting back and soaking up the pressure, hoping to catch Nigeria on the counter. Due to Nigeria's home advantage, it won't be easy for them.
They will look for bits and scraps like set-plays to get the ball into Nigeria's area. Hopefully, Troost-Ekong or whoever plays as a centre defender will be able to deal with the threat.
Line up and Prediction
Nigeria: Stanley Nwabili; William Troost-Ekong, Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina, Bruno Onyemaechi; Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru; Victor Osimhen, Samuel Chukwueze, Ademola Lookman.
Benin: Marcel Dandjinou; Abdoul Moumini, Cedric Hountondji, Yohan Roche, David Kiki; Sessi D'Almeida, Jodel Dossou, Douko Dodo, Hassane Imourane, Junior Olaitan; Steve Mounie.
Nigeria are favorites going into the tie and should be able to get all three points because of their quality on paper.
The Super Eagles should be able to get a 2-0 win in Uyo.
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