Enobong Ukpong:
The Super Eagles of Nigeria are set to kick off their journey towards qualifying for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with a high-stakes match against Benin Republic tomorrow. The game will take place at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, with the Nigerian team determined to secure a win.
Led by interim coach Augustine Eguavoen, the Super Eagles are eager to bounce back from a painful defeat in June, when goals from Jodel Dossou and Steve Mounie overturned Raphael Onyedika’s early strike, handing Nigeria a shocking 2-1 loss in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. This upset not only dented Nigeria’s World Cup hopes but also led to the demotion and eventual resignation of head coach Finidi George.
Amid the fallout, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) tried to bring in German coach Bruno Labbadia, but contractual disagreements caused the deal to collapse. As a result, Eguavoen, a former AFCON champion, was appointed to take charge for the third time, tasked with reviving the team’s form after recent disappointing results. The Super Eagles are looking to turn their fortunes around after just one win in their last five matches, including a loss in the 2023 AFCON final to Cote d’Ivoire.
In previous encounters, the Super Eagles have dominated Benin, winning six of their eight matchups, while the Cheetahs have claimed victory twice. Notably, Gernot Rohr, the former Nigeria coach, now leads Benin and masterminded their stunning win over Nigeria in the World Cup qualifiers. Rohr will be hoping for another upset, though he acknowledges the strength of the Nigerian squad, now bolstered by key players like William Troost-Ekong, Victor Osimhen, and Ola Aina, who were absent in their last meeting.
Rohr remarked, “Nigeria is not a conquered territory. We beat them a few months ago, and they will want revenge, which is natural.” He added that Nigeria’s squad will be much stronger this time, especially with Osimhen in the lineup, and that his team is preparing for a challenging match in Uyo.
Meanwhile, Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has expressed confidence in the team’s readiness. Despite facing their former coach, the defender is unfazed, saying, “We’re ready for the game. Playing against Gernot Rohr, who knows us well, won’t change our focus. We’re prepared to give it our best.
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