The Super Eagles of Nigeria, three-time African champions, are set to begin their quest for a fourth Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title as they face Benin Republic on Saturday, September 9, 2024, at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo. The match marks the opening fixture of the Super Eagles’ qualifying campaign for AFCON 2025, hosted by Morocco. Interim manager Augustine Eguavoen will lead the team into action as they look to secure all three points and build momentum for their qualification journey.
Having narrowly missed out on AFCON 2023 glory, where Nigeria lost in the final to Côte d’Ivoire, the team is eager to reclaim their place at the pinnacle of African football. With a blend of seasoned veterans and exciting new talent, the Super Eagles will be keen to make a statement against Benin Republic before their second qualifying match against Rwanda in Kigali three days later.
Team Preparations and Key Players to Watch
Under Augustine Eguavoen, Nigeria has been preparing rigorously for the upcoming matches, with the interim coach expressing confidence in his squad’s ability to secure crucial victories. The Super Eagles have struggled to find consistent form since their last win in an international friendly against Ghana in March. However, the return of key players like William Troost-Ekong, Victor Osimhen, and Moses Simon—who missed previous matches due to injuries—has boosted the squad’s morale.
Eguavoen has been clear about the team’s objective: to secure maximum points from both matches. “Our objective is clear: to win both matches and claim six points. The players are committed to achieving this goal,” he told thenff.com. Despite Nigeria’s recent inconsistent form, which includes one win, two losses, and one draw in their last four matches, the Super Eagles are poised for a resurgence. Osimhen’s performance will be particularly scrutinized after his transfer saga, as fans hope the striker will help propel the team forward despite his potential lack of match fitness.
Gernot Rohr’s Benin: A Familiar Foe
Benin Republic’s coach, Gernot Rohr, presents a unique challenge for Nigeria as he previously managed the Super Eagles from 2016 to 2021. Rohr’s familiarity with Nigeria’s squad gives him a tactical edge, but the Super Eagles remain favored to win. Rohr’s Cheetahs have proven resilient, losing only one of their last five matches, but they face a formidable Nigerian side playing at home in Uyo, which provides a distinct advantage.
In their last encounter, Benin Republic shocked Nigeria with a 2-1 victory at a neutral venue in Ivory Coast. However, with the return of key players and Eguavoen’s attacking tactics, Nigeria is expected to dominate play and reverse that result. Rohr remains optimistic despite acknowledging Nigeria’s superior squad strength: “We know they have the better players, but as a team, we have young players now, and I’m very optimistic that we can do something well,” he said at his pre-match conference.
Predictions and Final Thoughts
The Super Eagles are poised to take control of the match with their attacking setup, and the home crowd at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium will likely spur them on to victory. Nigeria’s star-studded forward line, which includes Kelechi Iheanacho, Samuel Chukwueze, and Ademola Lookman, is expected to create numerous scoring opportunities against Benin Republic’s defense. While the Cheetahs may attempt to hit Nigeria on the counter, the Super Eagles’ superior quality on paper and home advantage should see them secure all three points.
With Victor Osimhen likely to be eased into action due to his recent transfer and potential lack of match fitness, players like Taiwo Awoniyi and Victor Boniface could also play crucial roles. A 2-0 victory in favor of Nigeria is predicted, as Eguavoen’s men aim to start their AFCON 2025 qualifying campaign on a high note and continue their journey toward reclaiming the African title in Morocco.
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