The Super Eagles of Nigeria are determined to avoid another humiliating defeat at the hands of the Cheetahs of Benin Republic as they face off in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying opener on Saturday (today) at Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, The PUNCH reports.
The Super Eagles are out for redemption, with memories of their shocking 2-1 World Cup qualifier defeat to their neighbours still fresh. The Augustine Eguavoen’s team are seeking a reversal of fortunes, facing the same opponents the second time in the last three months.
The June defeat was Nigeria’s first competitive loss to Benin Republic, a result that led to the resignation of former head coach George Finidi, who was asked to step down from the saddle by the Nigeria Football Federation for an incoming foreign technical adviser.
The Cheetahs, managed by former Super Eagles gaffer Gernot Rohr, capitalised on Nigeria’s defensive lapses to clinch a historic victory, leaving the Super Eagles with much to prove as they return to home soil.
Now under the interim management of Augustine Eguavoen, the three-time African champions will be looking to reassert their dominance.
Eguavoen, in his fourth stint as head coach, has called for a renewed sense of commitment from his players as they seek not just to avenge their World Cup setback but also to establish themselves as firm favourites in Group D.
“We’ve been working hard, and I believe we can take maximum points in both matches. I trust the players, and we have the resources to succeed,” said Eguavoen, who is also set to face Rwanda next Tuesday.
In a twist, Nigeria’s star striker Victor Osimhen might not be in the starting lineup after missing three pre-match training sessions due to a delayed transfer saga with Napoli, which eventually saw him join Turkish giants Galatasaray on loan.
The reigning African Player of the Year’s lack of recent game time has opened the door for Bayer Leverkusen’s striker, Victor Boniface, who is expected to lead the line.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Osimhen’s fitness, Eguavoen remains confident in the depth of the squad, which boasts talents like Ademola Lookman, Taiwo Awoniyi, and Captain William Troost-Ekong.
“Our focus is on getting six points from both games. The players understand what’s at stake, and we’re fully committed to this objective,” the coach stated.
Taiwo Awoniyi, fresh off a 10-month absence from the national team, echoed the coach’s optimism, saying, “We have the quality to win every game in Africa. It’s about playing with pride for our country and putting everything together.
Meanwhile, Rohr is eyeing another win against the three-time African champions.
“It will be nice to meet with my boys in the Super Eagles. The team hasn’t changed much from the one I left behind two years ago, so technically they are still my boys, but we will keep all of that aside on the pitch on Saturday,” Rohr said.
“Nigeria have players in big teams unlike my team, but we have shown three months ago that we can win against any team. It is what we are hoping against the Super Eagles, even though we know it will be difficult because they are playing at home.”
At the pre-match press conference on Friday, Benin Republic forward Steve Mounié, who scored in their last meeting, revealed the secret of their recent impressive form.
“With the spirit we have in the team now, we don’t give up,” the Augsburg forward said.
“We will try to fight together on the pitch, and that will be important tomorrow. It doesn’t matter who scores or makes the assist; the most important thing tomorrow is to get a result.”
Fans will recall that Nigeria has a historical edge over Benin, having won 13 of their previous 17 encounters, but with Rohr’s intimate knowledge of the Super Eagles and Benin’s recent resurgence, the Cheetahs will be no pushovers.
The visitors have improved significantly under Rohr, securing three wins in their last 12 matches, and they’ll be buoyed by their recent victory over Nigeria.
The Godswill Akpabio Stadium is expected to be packed as the Super Eagles aim to shake off their recent poor form, accentuated by a three-match winless streak. A win on Saturday will be crucial for Nigeria, not only to boost their confidence but also to keep their AFCON qualification hopes
alive.