This clash will be the second time the two teams meet in just four months. In their previous encounter in June, Benin pulled off a 2-1 win during a World Cup qualifier. With that result still fresh, Nigeria will be looking for revenge after suffering only their second-ever defeat to Benin.
In the June match, Raphael Onyedika gave the Super Eagles the lead shortly before the half-hour mark, but Benin responded with goals from Jodel Dossou and Steve Mounie before halftime, turning the game in their favor.
That defeat ended Finidi George's short tenure as head coach of Nigeria, as he resigned after being offered a demotion to assistant coach. After a few months of uncertainty, Bruno Labbadia was announced as his successor, but complications arose when it became clear that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) hadn't finalized a contract with the German coach. Ultimately, both parties failed to reach an agreement.
As a result, Augustine Eguavoen has stepped in as interim coach for the September games, marking his third spell in charge of the Super Eagles. His immediate challenge will be to guide the team to a long-awaited victory, with Nigeria having gone winless in their last three games—losing to Mali and Benin while drawing with South Africa.
Despite their recent struggles, Nigeria has a strong AFCON qualifying record, having lost just one of their last 12 matches in the competition. They’ll look to continue this run on Saturday, especially after finishing as runners-up in the last AFCON edition.
Meanwhile, Benin, now led by former Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr, will be eager to pile more pressure on his former side. Rohr took over as Benin’s head coach in February 2023, and though his record stands at three wins, four draws, and five losses, his team has shown recent improvement, winning their last two matches. Notably, one of those wins came by default after Rwanda fielded an ineligible player in an AFCON 2023 qualifier.
Benin has never won on Nigerian soil, losing 2-1 on their only previous visit in 2019 during AFCON qualifiers. However, given Rohr’s familiarity with the Nigerian squad and their victory in the last encounter, the Cheetahs will head into this game with renewed confidence.
INJURIES & SUSPENSIONS
Reigning African Player of the Year, Victor Osimhen, and AFCON 2023 Player of the Tournament, William Troost-Ekong, have made their return to the Nigerian squad for the September matches after both missed out on the World Cup qualifiers in June due to injuries.
Taiwo Awoniyi, who has been sidelined since November due to a mix of injuries and non-selection, is also back in the team.
However, Fenerbahce defender Bright Osayi-Samuel had to pull out due to an injury, and he's been replaced by Crawley Town’s new signing, Benjamin Tanimu.
On the Benin side, Bachirou Sika from Coton FC and Samadou Attidjikou of Bani Ganse FC have earned their first call-ups for this encounter.
Meanwhile, Jodel Dossou and Steve Mounie, the duo who secured Benin's victory over Nigeria in their last meeting, are set to lead the Cheetahs' attack once again.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Nigeria possible starting lineup:
Nwabali; Aina, Ekong, Ajayi, Bassey; Ndidi, Onyedika, Iwobi; Lookman, Osimhen, Chukwueze
Benin possible starting lineup:
Dandjinou; Moumini, Hountondji, Tijani, Kiki; Dokou, D'Almeida, Imourane; Dossou, Mounie, Olaitan
EXPERT PREDICTIONS
Nigeria 2-1 Benin Republic
Despite Benin's recent success with two consecutive wins, playing on Nigerian soil presents an entirely new challenge. The intensity of the atmosphere may be overwhelming for the visitors.
