2025 AFCON Qualifier: How Super Eagles Could Line Up Against Benin Republic In 4-3-3 Formation

2025 AFCON Qualifier: How Super Eagles Could Line Up Against Benin Republic In 4-3-3 Formation

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Nigeria aims to secure their qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) as they prepare to face Benin at Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny on Thursday. Meanwhile, Benin's Cheetahs are also eager for a win that would bring them closer to earning a spot in the tournament.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria currently hold a four-point lead in Group D of the AFCON 2025 qualifiers, thanks to a unique turn of events. Following a 1-0 win over Libya in Uyo during October's first leg, Nigeria traveled to Libya for the return match but faced significant hostility upon arrival. The team was stranded at a Libyan airport for over 12 hours without access to food, water, or internet due to an unexpected plane diversion. They eventually decided to return home, resulting in a game boycott. After investigation, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) awarded Nigeria maximum points, bringing their total to 10 points from four matches.

Nigeria needs only a draw against Benin to secure their AFCON 2025 spot, but they are aiming for a win. The match will be held in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, as Benin lacks a suitable home stadium. In their last encounter, Nigeria triumphed with a 3-0 victory, highlighted by a brace from Ademola Lookman—currently a top contender for the 2024 CAF Men's Player of the Year—and a goal from reigning CAF Men's Player of the Year Victor Osimhen.

Benin, however, will be looking to replicate their success from June, when they last hosted Nigeria in a World Cup qualifier and claimed a 2-1 victory. Since a 2-0 loss to Nigeria in the opening AFCON qualifier, the Cheetahs have rebounded, securing wins over Libya (2-1) and Rwanda (3-0). Despite this momentum, Benin fell to Rwanda in their most recent match, 2-1, leaving them in second place in Group D with six points—just one point ahead of Rwanda, who sit in third. For Benin, anything short of a win against Nigeria could see them slip to third, particularly if Rwanda wins their match against Libya this week.

Thursday’s showdown marks the 10th clash between Nigeria and Benin, with the Super Eagles historically dominating the encounters, while Benin has managed just two wins.

Possible Super Eagles Starting XI

Nwabali, Ola Aina, Semi Ajayi, William Troost Ekong, Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Raphael Onyedika, Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen and Moses Simon.