Big boost for Nigeria as Benin’s star defender remains sidelined ahead of AFCON qualifier

Nigeria’s Super Eagles have received a significant boost ahead of their crucial 2025 African Cup of Nations qualifier, with Benin set to miss key defender Cedric Hountondji in their upcoming clash, Soccernet.ng reports.

The central defender, known for his strength and reliability at the back, sustained an ankle injury before Benin’s last match against Rwanda in September and has yet to recover.

The 30-year-old Hountondji has not appeared for his club, Angers SCO, since the setback, which has led to doubts about his availability for Benin’s next international fixtures against Nigeria and Libya.

Despite his team’s successful outing against Rwanda in the first leg, his absence was notable in the return fixture, where the Cheetahs suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat.

The absence of the defensive mainstay for Benin is a substantial loss for head coach Gernot Rohr’s squad as they strive to maintain their qualifying hopes.

Currently sitting second in their group with six points, a win against Nigeria could prove crucial for Benin’s path to the 2025 AFCON.

Meanwhile, Hountondji's ongoing absence was recently confirmed by Angers head coach Alexandre Dujeux, who excluded him from the squad traveling to face AS Monaco.

With no confirmed timeline for his return, Hountondji’s injury leaves a notable gap in Benin's backline which boosts Nigeria’s advantage as they prepare for the clash.