Nigeria's Super Eagles will make the trip to the Houphouet Boigny Stadium in Abidjan for their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025) qualifying match against the Cheetahs of Benin.
In this article, we will provide the Super Eagles match time and probable lineups for this encounter.
Where to watch Benin vs Nigeria live
Benin vs Nigeria takes place on Thursday, 14 November. Kickoff time is 20:00 WAT. This match will be broadcast on SuperSport for fans residing in Nigeria, while those in Benin can tune in to Canal+ Sport 1 for live coverage of this game.
Benin vs Nigeria confirmed lineups
Steve Mounie and Junior Olaitan have been named in Benin’s squad for this clash. The duo have expressed their eagerness to upset their more established opponents, the Super Eagles, when they meet.
Goalkeeper Obassa Adebiyi, who plies his trade in the NPFL with Remo Stars, was invited to the team. However, it's unlikely he will start ahead of Marcel Dandjinou in goal for the Cheetahs.
Benin
Goalkeeper: Marcel Dandjinou.
Defenders: Abdoul Moumini, Cedric Houtondji, Mohamed Tijani, David Kiki.
Midfielders: Matteo Ahlinvi, Sessi D’Almeida, Hassane Imourane.
Forwards: Jodel Dossou, Junior Olaitan, Steve Mounie.
Nigeria
Star forward Victor Osimhen returned to the team after missing out on the last international break due to a muscle injury.
Other returnees are Sadiq Umar and Gabriel Osho, who earned his second call-up to the Eagles team after a short break from the group, while Nasarawa United defender Victor Collins received his first call-up.
Notable absentees from the squad are Taiwo Awoniyi, Semi Ajayi and Jamilu Collins, who all missed out due to injury.
Goalkeeper: Stanley Nwabali.
Defenders: Gabriel Osho, William Troost-Ekong, Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina.
Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Bruno Onyemaechi.
Forwards: Kelechi Iheanacho, Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman.
Quick stats
- Benin suffered a 3-0 defeat in the reverse fixture a couple of months ago.
- Nigeria have 14 wins in 18 previous skirmishes between these teams (D2, L2).
- The Super Eagles have had no defeats and conceded no goals in their last three matches.
- Nigeria have a perfect record against Benin in AFCON qualifying games.
Benin vs Nigeria: Analysis of the match
The Super Eagles currently lead the Group D standings with 10 points from a possible 12. Austin Eguavoen's troops will secure a place in AFCON 2025 if they win this match. Depending on the outcome of the Rwanda vs Libya game, Nigeria can still be guaranteed a spot in the Nations Cup with a draw or a defeat.
On the other hand, the Cheetahs need all the points they can get as they have only one more point than third-placed Rwanda.
Interestingly, Benin defeated the Super Eagles at the Houphouet-Boigny Stadium in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying clash in June.
Benin vs Nigeria head to head record
This will be the 19th encounter between these teams. Nigeria have been the dominant side in their previous meetings with a 14-2-2 win-draw-loss record.
Additionally, the Super Eagles have won eight out of eight encounters with the Cheetahs in AFCON or AFCON qualifying games.
Benin vs Nigeria prediction
Although this is a must-win for Gernot Rohr's men, the Cheetahs have a poor track record against Nigeria. Considering how well the Eagles have played under Eguavoen, we are fairly confident that Nigeria will claim all the spoils after 90 minutes.
