Nigeria vs Benin Preview & Prediction | 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying | Group D
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Nigeria are one of the leading forces in African football and even when they went through a really poor spell, they still reached the final of the 2023 CAF Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year. They begin the 2025 qualifying campaign by facing Benin in Lagos.
KICK-OFF DATE/TIME: Saturday 7th September, 2024 - UK – 5:00pm / US ET – 12:00pm / US PT – 9:00am
HOW TO WATCH ON TV: UK – Not televised / US – beIN Sports
HOW TO WATCH ONLINE: UK – Cannot be streamed / US – beIN Sports streaming platforms
NIGERIA PREVIEW: NEW ERA OF THE SUPER EAGLES
Jose Peseiro led Nigeria to the final of the 2023 CAF Africa Cup of Nations but the Portuguese coach was never well liked and he has since departed. However, somehow, the disorganised Nigerian football association are yet to appoint a permanent successor.
The Nigerians come into this one on the back of a poor start to CAF 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification which included a 2-1 defeat to their upcoming opponents, Benin, in a qualifier over the summer.
BENIN PREVIEW: GERNOR ROHR’S RETURN
Between 2016 and 2021, Gernot Rohr was in charge of the Nigerian national football team and he is now coaching Benin, which has begun well with that aforementioned defeat of Nigeria in Benin’s most recent outing.
That victory over Nigeria came quick on the back of a slender defeat of Rwanda by a goal to nil, too. They have now suffered just one defeat in five matches since beginning FIFA World Cup qualifying with a 2-1 defeat to South Africa.
NIGERIA TEAM NEWS: NO OSIMHEN
Whilst Victor Osimhen sorts his future out, having just joined Galatasaray on loan from Napoli, Nigeria’s star striker is not involved in this September international break.
PREDICTED XI (4-4-2): Okoye; Osayi-Samuel, Awaziem, Bassey, Igboke; Iwobi, Ndidi, Onyedika, Lookman; Boniface, Iheanacho
UNAVAILABLE:
QUESTIONABLE: Moffi (Injured)
BENIN TEAM NEWS: FRUSTRATION FOR HOUNTONDJI
The development of a partnership between Steve Mounie and Andreas Hountondji is an exciting prospect but the latter has yet to start for Burnley since joining the Clarets from Caen.
PREDICTED XI (3-4-1-2): Allagbe; Verdon, C. Hountondji, Tijani; Moumini, D’Almeida, Dodo, Kiki; Olaitan; Mounie, Tosin
UNAVAILABLE: Imourane (Suspended)
QUESTIONABLE:
NIGERIA VS BENIN PREDICTION
Nigeria remain manager-less and they appear so disjointed at the moment, both in terms of performances and results. That disjointedness is also shown in a lack of clarity in their squad hierarchy and best eleven. They welcome a Benin side that are in good form and looking to continue their bright start to 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification. It could be a good value bet to side with Benin for this one.
NIGERIA VS BENIN TIP: DOUBLE CHANCE – BENIN TO WIN OR DRAW
