Beninvs.Nigeria

Meanwhile, the Cheetahs of Benin will be looking to secure maximum points that could draw them closer to qualifying for the tournament.

Match preview

Nigeria successfully opened up a four-point lead in Group D of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, albeit in unusual circumstances.

After securing a 1-0 victory over Libya in Uyo in the first leg of October's AFCON qualifiers double-header, the Super Eagles travelled to the North African country for the return leg but were met with hostility from the hosts.

The West Africans were stranded at a Libyan airport for over 12 hours without food, drink, or internet after their plane was diverted at the last minute, and therefore decided to return home, boycotting the game.

Africa's football governing body, CAF, eventually intervened, and after investigation, Nigeria was awarded maximum points, taking their tally to 10 after four matches.

One point against Benin will secure a place for the Super Eagles at AFCON 2025, but the team will be looking to claim maximum points, especially as the game will be played in Abidjan, Ivory Coast due to Benin's lack of a suitable stadium.

Nigeria won 3-0 in the reverse fixture thanks to a brace from 2024 CAF Men's Player of the Year nominee and favourite, Ademola Lookman, and a goal from reigning CAF Men's Player of the Year, Victor Osimhen.

Benin secured a 2-1 victory the last time they hosted this fixture for a World Cup qualifying game in June, and will hope to replicate this result on Thursday.

The Cheetahs bounced back from defeat against Nigeria in the opening AFCON qualifying game, with back-to-back 2-1 and 3-0 victories over Libya and Rwanda, respectively.

However, Gernot Rohr's side lost 2-1 to Rwanda in the reverse fixture, and are now in second place with six points, one above the Wasps who are third.

Anything short of victory against Nigeria could see Benin drop to third place heading into the final game against Libya, if Rwanda secure maximum points against the Mediterranean Knights this week.

This will be the 10th meeting between both sides, with the Cheetahs winning just twice while losing the other seven.

Benin Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying form:

L

W

W

L

Benin form (all competitions):

W

W

L

W

W

L

Nigeria Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying form:

W

D

W

Nigeria form (all competitions):

L

D

L

W

D

W

Team News

Benin might be missing the services of Vasteras's forward Matteo Ahlinvi, who was substituted in the game against Hammarby after only 34 minutes due to an injury, though he is still expected to join the camp for further assessment.

Augsburg striker Steve Mounie, who scored the winning goal in June's victory over Nigeria, will be the man to watch once again alongside Grenoble forward Junior Olaitan.

Nigeria will be without West Brom defender Semi Ajayi, who is out with a muscle injury, and South African-based defender Olisa Ndah, both of whom have been replaced by Auxerre defender Gabriel Osho and home-based defender Victor Collins of Nasarawa United.

Osimhen returns to the side after missing last month's window due to an injury, as does Real Sociedad striker Sadiq Umar, who missed out on past games due to an ACL injury.

Benin possible starting lineup:

Dandjinou; Moumini, Hountondji, Tijani, Roche; D'Almeida, Imourane, Dossou; Dodo, Olaitan, Mounie

Nigeria possible starting lineup:

Nwabali; Aina, Troost-Ekong, Bassey, Onyemaechi; Ndidi, Onyeka; Iwobi; Simon, Lookman, Osimhen

We say: Benin 1-2 Nigeria

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