Three points will be up for grabs as Nigeria vs Benin go toe-to-toe with each other at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium. In this article, we will provide the Super Eagles match time and probable lineups for this Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025) qualifier.
Where to watch Nigeria vs Benin live
Kickoff time for Nigeria vs Benin is 17:00 WAT on Saturday, 7 September. Nigerians can tune in to SuperSport’s La Liga channel for live coverage of this game.
Nigeria vs Benin confirmed lineups
Nigeria
Super Eagles star striker Victor Osimhen will start from the bench due to his late arrival at camp. The 25-year-old needed to sort out the details of his transfer to Galatasaray before he finally joined his teammates in Uyo.
Also, Bright Osayi-Samuel could not recover in time from his injury and was replaced by Benjamin Tanimu in Nigeria's 23-man squad for this weekend's AFCON qualifying game.
Goalkeeper: Stanley Nwabali.
Defenders: Ola Aina, Calvin Bassey, William
Troost-Ekong, Semi Ajayi.
Midfielders: Bruno Onyemaechi, Wilfred Ndidi, Alex
Iwobi.
Forwards: Samuel Chukwueze, Victor Boniface,
Ademola Lookman.
Benin
Ahead of this encounter, Benin coach Gernot Rohr spoke with the press: “For me, it is a little bit emotional because I had wonderful moments here. We cannot forget, but now there is a very important game tomorrow. My job is with Benin, and we are ready to play again.”
Augsburg striker Steve Mounie is expected to spearhead the attack alongside Jodel Dossou for Rohr's troops. Both players were on the scoresheet when Benin faced Nigeria in June.
Goalkeeper: Marcel Dandjinou.
Defenders: Rachid Moumini, Cedric Hountondji,
Mohamed Tijani, David Kiki.
Midfielders: Sessi D'Almeida, Dokou Dodo, Hassane
Imourane, Junior Olaita.
Forwards: Jodel Dossou, Steve Mounie.
Nigeria vs Benin: The referee
Amin Mohamed Omar will officiate this mouthwatering Nations Cup qualifier. The Egyptian referee officiated Nigeria’s AFCON semifinal match against South Africa earlier this year, which the Super Eagles won on penalties.
Quick stats
- Nigeria's Super Eagles have lost three of their last five matches across all competitions.
- Although Benin won just two games since March 2022, they emerged victorious against Nigeria three months ago.
- Nigeria won 13 out of 17 previous skirmishes between these sides.
- Benin Coach Gernot Rohr was in charge of the Super Eagles between August 2016 and December 2021.
Nigeria vs Benin: Analysis of the match
Despite being the underdogs, Benin staged a comeback victory over the Super Eagles in June. They have now won back-to-back games after going on a 16-match winless streak. Interestingly, the visitors have struggled to keep goals out, as they have kept just two clean sheets in their last 18 matches.
On the other hand, the Super Eagles are winless in their last three games. Interim coach Augustine Eguavoen will look to steer the team back to winning ways after a series of disappointing results.
Nigeria vs Benin head to head record
This will be the 18th encounter between these sides. The Super Eagles have dominated their opponents in the past, winning 13 of their previous 17 clashes. As a matter of fact, Nigeria have lost just twice against Benin Republic.
Nigeria vs Benin prediction
While the Super Eagles have no clean sheets in their last six matches, Benin saw their defence breached in 16 of their last 18 games. It is worth mentioning that both teams were on the scoresheet in five of Nigeria's last six games, and also in 10 of Benin's last 13 matches. On that note, we should expect goals at both ends.
