'A challenge that I enjoy' - Benin's ex-Huddersfield striker insists he's unfazed about facing Troost-Ekong

Former Huddersfield Town star and Benin striker Steve Mounié is relishing the prospect of facing the Super Eagles defence marshalled by William Troost-Ekong ahead of Thursday evening's 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualification game at Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny.

Mounié has scored two goals in the last three 2025 AFCON qualification games for the Cheetahs, having bagged a goal against Libya and another during the 3-0 win over Rwanda.

The FC Augsburg striker was also on the scoresheet when they defeated Nigeria in the 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifiers in June but drew blank in the first leg fixture of the AFCON qualifiers at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in September.

However, he has been unable to replicate the form for Augsburg as he is yet to find the back of the net for the German Bundesliga side this term.

Gernot Rohr will be hoping that the 30-year-old can replicate his form for the Cheetahs to help his side qualify for AFCON.

Mounié stated that he isn't intimidated about facing the Super Eagles defence being led by 2024 African Men's Footballer of the Year nominee William Troost-Ekong.

When asked about Troost-Ekong's return after missing Nigeria's loss to Benin in June, Mounié emphasized that facing quality defenders is crucial for improving his own game.

Steve Mounié said at the pre-match press conference on Wednesday: "As a striker, facing high-level defenders is a challenge that I enjoy. It allows you to measure yourself.

"I know that in the first leg, it was a very good duel. I hope we can repeat that tomorrow.

"I hope tomorrow's match will be positive, and if I can score it would be a bonus."

Benin has scored six goals in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers but will face the stern test of facing the Super Eagles defence that is yet to concede a goal in the qualification campaign.

Abdulkareem Abdulhamid

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