Benin Republic forward Steve Mounié is convinced that the Cheetahs will be difficult opponents for Nigeria on Sunday, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Super Eagles are the bookmaker’s favourites to claim a victory against Benin on matchday one of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
Lending credence to that prediction is the fact that the Super Eagles will be playing on home soil at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
However, the Cheetahs arrive for Saturday’s clash brimming with confidence after recording their first-ever win over the Super Eagles in June in a World Cup qualifier.
Nigeria, also favourites on the day, took the lead through Raphael Onyedika but Jodel Dossou equalised for the Cheetahs before Mounié scored the winner in a 2-1 triumph.
With Benin avoiding defeat in four of their last five games in all competitions, Mounié is convinced that the West African nation is now better equipped to tame one of the continent’s giants.
At the pre-match press conference on Friday, Mounié revealed the secret to Benin’s recent impressive form.
“With the spirit we have in the team now, we don’t give up,” the Augsburg forward said. “We will try to fight together on the pitch, and that will be important tomorrow.”
The 29-year-old striker added: “It doesn’t matter who scores or makes the assist, the most important thing tomorrow is to get a result.”
George Finidi was the Super Eagles coach when Nigeria suffered that disappointing defeat to Benin Republic in June.
However, another former international Augustine Eguavoen will be in charge of the three-time African champions on Saturday.
