Benin Republic midfielder Matteo Ahlinvi has emerged as a major doubt for the country’s upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against the Super Eagles on Thursday. This follows an injury he sustained while playing for his club, Vasteras SK, in their 1-0 victory over Hammarby on Sunday.
Ahlinvi was substituted in the 34th minute of the match, replaced by Daniel Ask, with initial reports suggesting he picked up a knock. The 25-year-old was named in Gernot Rohr’s 25-man squad to face Nigeria and Libya in Benin’s final qualifying matches.
Although he hasn’t been a regular starter since Rohr, the former Super Eagles coach, took over the Cheetahs in 2023, Ahlinvi has come off the bench in two of the four qualifiers. He also appeared for three minutes in Benin’s victory over Nigeria during a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.
Publications in Benin confirmed the injury update and the national team staff are waiting for more information on his status. “Shortlisted for the decisive matches of the CAN 2025 qualifiers, Matteo Ahlinvi could ultimately miss the group,” the report noted.
“Author of an excellent start to the match yesterday afternoon during the 30th day of the Swedish championship, the Beninese midfielder had to leave his Vasteras teammates after only 34 minutes, visibly injured. We are awaiting further information on his current condition.”
So far, Ahlinvi has recorded three goals and two assists in 26 league appearances for his Swedish club this season.
