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Nigeria will take on Benin Republic in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match on Saturday, September 7 at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo. Here are predictions, team news, betting tips, and possible line-ups for the game.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria will begin their journey to the 2025 AFCON against West African neighbours Benin.
This will be the second meeting between both sides in four months, as they had recently met in June for a World Cup qualifying match, with the Cheetahs pulling off a 2-1 win.
Rapheal Onyedika gave Nigeria the lead three minutes before the half-hour mark, but Benin quickly turned it around, as Jodel Dossou restored parity 10 minutes later before Steve Mounie scored a second three minutes into the first-half stoppage time.
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This loss was the catalyst for Finidi George’s demotion as the head coach, which eventually led to his resignation. Since then, there has been drama around the role, which was left vacant until recently.
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With both parties failing to reach an agreement, the deal fell through, and Augustine Eguavoen was appointed on an interim basis in what will be his third stint with the team.
Nigeria vs. Benin Head to Head
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This will be the eigth meeting between Nigeria and Benin, with the Super Eagles winning six times and the Cheetahs winning just twice.
Nigeria’s former coach Gernot Rohr is in charge of Benin, and he successfully orchestrated a win in this fixture last time out.
Nigeria vs. Benin Team News and Possible Lineups
Galatasaray’s new striker Victor Osimhen and AFCON 2023 player of the tournament, William Troost-Ekong, have made a return to the Super Eagles setup after missing out of June’s World Cup qualifiers due to injuries.
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Taiwo Awoniyi, who missed the last AFCON due to injury and was not called up for the games in June, is also back in the squad.
Initially named in the squad, Fenerbahce defender Bright Osayi-Samuel pulled out due to injury, and he has been replaced by newly-signed Crawley Town defender Benjamin Tanimu.
Scorers in the last encounter, Dossou and Mounie headline Benin’s squad for this clash, while Bachirou Sika of Coton FC and Samadou Attidjikou of Bani Ganse FC received their first call-ups.
Nigeria Predicted lineup (4-3-3)
Nwabali (GK); Aina, Ekong, Ajayi, Bassey; Ndidi, Onyedika, Iwobi; Lookman, Osimhen, Simon
Benin Predicted lineup (4-3-3)
Dandjinou (GK); Moumini, Hountondji, Tijani, Kiki; Dokou, D’Almeida, Imourane; Dossou, Mounie, Olaitan
Nigeria vs. Benin Predictions & Betting Tips
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Nigeria head into this clash seeking vengeance for the loss in June. The return of lethal striker Osimhen, and captain Ekong is expected to make the Super Eagles stronger compared to the team in June.
However, the instability around the team at the moment could be an issue, coupled with Rohr’s deep knowledge of the team’s strengths.
Correct score: Nigeria 1-0 Benin
Osimhen to score anytime
Under 2.5 goals
Under 4.5 cards
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