The Super Eagles of Nigeria will continue their quest towards qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with a crucial clash against Benin Republic.
The match is scheduled to take place in Abidjan, Ivory Coast on November 14th.
The Nigerian national team is set to converge in Abidjan on November 10th, with players expected to start arriving the following day.
Instead of heading to Nigeria before hitting Abidjan, the players, most foreign-based, will fly directly to Abidjan for the encounter.
However, the squad will be without key players like Semi Ajayi of West Bromwich Albion and Chidera Ejuke, who recently suffered an injury in La Liga.
A bitter past for the Super Eagles
The last encounter between Nigeria and Benin ended in a 3-0 win for Nigeria in Uyo even though the team lost 2-1 to Benin in Abidjan in the FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifier.
This makes the latest test a mouth watering one.
It is expected that the Super Eagles will put away the harrowing experience they suffered during the second leg of the Libya and Nigeria AFCON qualifier.
The match, originally scheduled to be played in Benghazi, Libya, turned into a logistical nightmare.
The Nigerian team faced a series of challenges, including unexpected changes in venue and a lack of support from Libyan officials.
The Super Eagles were left at the airport for almost 20 hours without food or water and this made the Nigerian team fly back to the country citing inhumane conditions and inability to play such a high profile game in that condition.
Following a successful appeal to the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Nigeria was awarded a 3-0 victory, and three goals, a decision that significantly boosted their chances of qualifying for the World Cup.
Road to the 2025 AFCON
With a strong start to the qualifiers, Nigeria currently leads Group D with 10 points.
A draw in their remaining matches against Benin and Rwanda would likely secure their place in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, to be held in Morocco.
After the game on the 14th November, the Super Eagles will fly back to Nigeria for the final group game against Rwanda on the 18th of November at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.
