Former Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr has tipped Nigeria as favorites to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco from Group D, which also includes Benin, Rwanda, and Libya.
The tournament is scheduled to take place in Morocco from December 21, 2025, and January 18, 2026.
Benin will kick off their qualification campaign against Nigeria at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, aiming to replicate their 2-1 victory during a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier in June.
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Coached by German manager Bruno Labbadia, the Super Eagles have released their squad for the game, featuring the return of striker Victor Osimhen and 2023 AFCON Most Valuable Player William Troost Ekong.
In addition to Benin, Nigeria will face Rwanda in a matchday 2 encounter and will play a double-header against Libya in October.
Despite seeking a consecutive win against the Super Eagles, Rohr has backed his former side as favorites to qualify from the group. “We have a real chance of qualifying in this group, but it’s crucial to start this campaign well, especially against a formidable team like Nigeria,” Rohr told the press while announcing his 25-man squad.
“In this group, we (Benin) will play our luck; two teams will qualify. Rwanda and Libya can cause us problems, while Nigeria are the favorites in our group. It’s important to win and find our rhythm for this campaign. We’ll do everything to be at CAN 2025,” he added.
The top two teams from each group will qualify for the main competition.
