Cheetahs to outrun Nigeria again?

by Graeme Jackson

Friday Sep 06, 2024. 13:00

Benin will chase a second straight win over Nigeria when the teams meet in a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Group D qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on the early evening of Saturday 7 September.

Kick-off will be at 18:00 CAT.

Nigeria, who were runners-up at the AFCON earlier this year after a dramatic loss to host Ivory Coast in the final, come into the match in something of a shambles.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) announced last week that they had reached an agreement with German Bruno Labbadia to become their new permanent head coach, only for the deal to fall through due to a quarrel over tax payments.

The Super Eagles are in need of new leadership after a poor start to their 2026 World Cup qualifiers back in June, which saw them draw 1-1 at home to South Africa and lose 2-1 away to Benin – the same team they will begin their AFCON journey against this weekend.

NFF technical director Augustine Eguavoen will be in charge of the team for this clash against Benin and next Tuesday’s trip to Rwanda.

“I will do it for the love of the country and the game,” Eguavoen explained. “Remember, football gave me name and fame, and the country gave me the opportunity, so it’s difficult to say no at this point because of the circumstances we find ourselves in.”

Benin, who did not qualify for the last two editions of the AFCON, will look to build on the momentum of their impressive back-to-back wins over Rwanda and Nigeria in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers – masterminded by former Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr.

“I am used to the environment, the players and all. I am also positive that we will leave Nigeria with a result,” said the veteran German tactician.

In head-to-head stats, Nigeria and Benin have met in 17 matches – dating back as far as 1977 – with the Super Eagles claiming 13 wins compared to two for the Cheetahs.

As mentioned above, the teams last met in a World Cup qualifier as recently as June, with Benin winning 2-1 in Abidjan (due to a lack of CAF-approved venues in their country) thanks to goals from Jodel Dossou and Steve Mounie.