Nigeria’s Super Eagles Gear Up for Do-or-Die Showdown with Benin Republic in Ivory Coast
The stakes are high as the Super Eagles take on the Benin Republic tonight, November 14, at 8 p.m. in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, in a match that could make or break both teams’ chances of qualification for the 2025 AFCON.
In their previous encounters, the Super Eagles held a commanding 3-0 lead over the Cheetahs after winning the first leg in Uyo, Nigeria, last September. Now, with the pressure mounting, a victory tonight would seal the team’s spot in Morocco next year.
A draw might secure qualification for Nigeria, but Coach Austin Eguavoen’s squad is under no illusions – they can’t afford to replicate last June’s 2-1 defeat to the Benin Republic, a loss that would reopen the door for their competitors.
Mentally and tactically, the Super Eagles seem better equipped to face off against their opponents, fresh from a winning streak without conceding a goal. They currently top Group D with 10 points and have a four-point gap to bridge before their match.
Tonight’s clash at the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny, where they lost to the Benin Republic in the World Cup qualifiers, promises to be an intense and fiercely competitive battle, with Senegalese referee Issa Sy at the helm. Both teams will stop at nothing to secure victory – a draw would leave Nigeria coasting, while the Cheetahs need three points to stay in contention for the second automatic qualification spot.
William Troost-Ekong, the talismanic defender, shares the team’s confidence despite the tough opponent ahead: “We’re well-aware of the stadium and look to avenge last summer’s defeat while claiming all three points.” Genort Rohr, coach of the Benin Republic and former Nigeria coach, also recognizes the Super Eagles’ strengthened lineup but remains confident in his team’s mettle: “We acknowledge Nigeria’s strength now but we believe in ourselves too.”
