2025 Afconq Super Eagles v Cheetahs: Match preview, what to expect, key players, confirmed team news

Nigeria will kick-off their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualification campaign with a game against Benin being led by Gernot Rohr, an ex-coach of the three-time African champions.

This will be the second clash between both sides this year as they met in the 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifiers played in June at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Abidjan, Ivory Coast, Benin's adopted home ground.

Match preview

The Super Eagles boast of a better head-to-head record than the Cheetahs, winning 13, drawing once and losing once in the past fifteen games between both sides..

However, they lost in their last fixture albeit an away game, and have secured just one win in their last five games, which poses skepticism about their form heading into the game.

Benin picked up just one win in five games before the start of the Fifa World Cup qualifiers in June but have been able to upturn their form, winning their last two fixtures, one of which was against Nigeria.

This makes them the team in form and will be motivated by the result of the last encounter between both sides.

What to expect

Nigeria have a new coach in Austin Eguavoen and it will not be surprising to see the Super Eagles adopt a new tactical setup.

The last time Eguavoen was in charge, the 2013 AFCON champions played in a 4-4-2 shape and with the wealth of attacking options available, this could be the adopted shapebfor the encounter.

Benin scored from a long ball and a corner-kick in the last game and must be looking to have a repeat of the same while they try to keep Nigeria at bay.

While the Cheetahs are unlikely to enjoy as much possession as Nigeria, they proved last time out that they are not an ultra-defensive side and will try to capitalize on any slip-up from the Nigerian defence.

Benin have conceded just twice during this qualification campaign and will be a tough nut to crack with their defensive shape.

Confirmed team news

Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Benin coach Gernot Rohr confirmed that Yverdon Sport centre-back Mohamed Tijani will not be available for selection due to an ankle injury he sustained while on club duties. 

As for Nigeria, the twenty-three players called up are seemingly good to go, according to Austin Eguavoen during his briefing on Friday,

Having said that, forwards Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and Kelechi Iheanacho are lacking match fitness

Key players

1. Ademola Lookman (Nigeria): The latest Ballon d'Or nominee has been the Super Eagles best attacking players since the last AFCON but could be match match-rusty, having not featured for Atalanta since the beginning of the Serie A campaign

2. William Troost-Ekong (Nigeria): The former Watford defender hasn't featured for the home side since February and his leadership in the defence has been badly missed, with Nigeria conceding six goals in the last four games.

His return couldn't have come at a better time for the three-time African champions.

3. Steve Mounié (Benin): The FC Augsburg new centre forward netted the winning goal for the Cheetahs in June, making him a threat which the Super Eagles must nullify to boos their chances of victory.

The 29-year-old sits third in Benin's all-time top scorers’ list at the moment with 17 goals.

4. Cédric Hountondji (Benin): The Angers defender is one of the most experienced players in Benin's rank and Rohr will be hoping that he can count on his experience against his former side.

Venue and kickoff time 

The game will take place at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State with the game expected to start at 1700 hours Nigerian time.

Abdulkareem Abdulhamid

Copyright ANS

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com