Benin vs. Nigeria: Date, time, and venue
The Super Eagles are gearing up for a pivotal AFCON 2025 qualifier against Benin on Thursday, November 14, at the Stade de Houphouet Boigny in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. With a draw enough to secure Nigeria’s spot in the tournament, all eyes will be on the action-packed encounter.
Nigeria’s dominance over Benin
Nigeria has enjoyed a clear upper hand in recent encounters with Benin. The Super Eagles have won their last three AFCON qualifiers against the Cheetahs, shutting them out in their last two meetings. This dominance has solidified Nigeria’s position as group leaders and heavy favorites going into the clash.
Super Eagles’ unbeaten run
Excluding the awarded match against Libya on matchday four, Nigeria remains unbeaten in their last six AFCON qualifiers. During this impressive run, the team has won five games and kept five clean sheets, showcasing both offensive and defensive solidity.
Ademola Lookman: Player to watch
Ademola Lookman has been a standout performer for Nigeria in the AFCON 2025 qualifiers, scoring two of the team’s four goals so far. His clinical finishing and ability to create chances have made him a vital asset to the Super Eagles.
Lookman’s form extends beyond the national team. For club and country this season, he has scored eight goals in 14 matches across all competitions, further cementing his reputation as one of Nigeria’s most reliable attacking threats. His performance will be pivotal if the Super Eagles are to secure another win against Benin.
Eguavoen confident despite familiar opponent
Super Eagles interim coach Austin Eguavoen is confident heading into the clash, despite Benin being managed by former Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr.
“We worked with Gernot Rohr for many years; he was a good coach and knows our strengths and weaknesses. But we also know him and what he can bring. Nigeria isn’t a team to be taken lightly,” Eguavoen said.
What’s at stake for both teams
While Nigeria only needs a draw to qualify for AFCON 2025, Benin must win to keep their qualification hopes alive. This sets the stage for a high-stakes encounter in Abidjan.
“Our mindset is always to win, though it’s easier said than done. We’ll fight for every ball and point. Benin is no pushover, so we’re putting in the hard work to achieve our goals,” Eguavoen added.
Where to watch
The match is scheduled to kick off at 8:00 p.m. Nigerian time. Fans across Africa can watch the game live on SuperSport and Startimes. Bold Sports will also provide a live feed and real-time updates on its platform.
