As Nigeria prepare to clash with Benin Republic in the penultimate fixture of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, all eyes are on Super Eagles coach Augustine Eguavoen, Soccernet.ng reports.
It is a crucial game for both teams – while Benin need a victory to keep their AFCON hopes alive, Nigeria require only a draw to secure their ticket to Morocco.
However, the stakes could shift dramatically if Rwanda fail to beat Libya earlier in the day, automatically qualifying Nigeria before kickoff.
That potential shift puts Eguavoen in a challenging spot, as he could face the luxury – or dilemma – of experimenting with his lineup.
Here, we dive into the three key decisions Eguavoen must make ahead of this high-stakes showdown.
1. Who starts in goal: Maduka Okoye or Stanley Nwabali?
The goalkeeping spot is a delicate decision for Eguavoen, as each option offers a unique set of strengths.
Stanley Nwabali has been Nigeria’s go-to choice in recent games, especially since his solid performances helped the Super Eagles reach the final of the 2023 AFCON.
His commanding presence in goal and recent experience make him the safer choice for Eguavoen.
However, the late arrival of Nwabali to Nigeria’s Abidjan camp opens a window of opportunity for Maduka Okoye.
The Udinese goalkeeper has been in stellar form in Serie A this season, displaying quick reflexes and sharp anticipation in some big Italian league matches.
Okoye’s presence could bring a fresh perspective to Nigeria’s backline, especially if the game turns out to be a dead rubber.
With little at stake, Eguavoen may take this opportunity to hand Okoye a long-awaited start since his last appearance for the Super Eagles in 2022.
If Rwanda’s result makes Nigeria’s fixture a must-draw, Nwabali’s experience and familiarity with the defensive setup might be a more dependable choice.
The decision in goal is therefore a tactical and situational one – and could set the tone for Nigeria’s performance.
2. Who takes the left flank: Moses Simon or Ademola Lookman?
Selecting the best option on Nigeria’s left wing is no easy feat when Eguavoen has two standout wingers in Moses Simon and Ademola Lookman.
Lookman, one of the continent’s brightest stars at the moment, recently earned nominations for the Ballon d’Or and Globe Soccer Awards, a testament to his incredible form and undeniable talent.
His explosive pace, quick footwork, and goal-scoring ability make him a formidable choice on the left.
However, the dilemma lies in balancing Lookman’s flair with Simon’s consistency.
Known for his dribbling ability and work rate, Simon is Nigeria’s most effective winger when deployed on the left, where he can deliver pinpoint crosses and trouble defenders with his quick cuts inside.
During Nigeria’s last match against Libya, Eguavoen initially placed Simon on the right wing to accommodate Lookman on the left.
The experiment proved challenging – Lookman struggled to find his rhythm, and Simon appeared out of sync on the opposite flank.
It wasn’t until the second half, when Eguavoen reverted Simon to the left and positioned Lookman more centrally, that Nigeria found their winning formula.
The synergy of these two wingers could be game-changing against Benin.
If Eguavoen decides to deploy both, Simon on the left and Lookman centrally could bring out the best in each player.
However, if he must choose, Eguavoen will need to weigh Simon’s adaptability against Lookman’s undeniable star power.
3. Who leads the line: Victor Boniface or Victor Osimhen?
In the world of Nigerian football, few questions generate as much excitement as choosing between Victor Boniface and Victor Osimhen.
Both strikers have been exceptional in Europe, each bringing a unique approach to the Super Eagles’ attack.
Boniface, a rising star at Bayer Leverkusen, has shown glimpses of his talent in recent outings for Nigeria but hasn’t yet fully stamped his authority, failing to find the net in the last few games.
His powerful runs and ability to hold up the ball make him a valuable asset, particularly against teams like Benin who may play a physical style.
Yet, Osimhen’s return is bound to stir the pot. After a brief injury spell, the Galatasaray loanee has returned to blistering form, finding the back of the net regularly and terrorising defenders with his relentless pressing and sharp finishing.
As he inches closer to Rashidi Yekini’s all-time goal record for Nigeria, Osimhen’s hunger to score could make him Eguavoen’s preferred choice to lead the attack.
His pace, combined with an almost instinctive ability to be in the right place at the right time, gives him a slight edge over Boniface.
That said, the decision could depend heavily on Nigeria’s tactical needs.
If Eguavoen prioritizes physicality and pressing, Boniface may offer a fresh angle.
However, if he seeks a proven goal-scorer to put the game beyond Benin’s reach, Osimhen’s experience and form may be too strong to overlook.
