The Super Eagles of Nigeria are gearing up for a crucial Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match against the Benin Republic, scheduled for Saturday at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo. However, Nigeria’s top striker Victor Osimhen is likely to miss the game due to his late arrival at the team’s camp, following his recent transfer to Galatasaray.
This match marks the second meeting between Nigeria and Benin in just four months. In their previous encounter in June, which was a World Cup qualifier, Benin triumphed 2-1. In that match, Raphael Onyedika gave Nigeria an early lead, but Benin responded swiftly. Jodel Dossou scored the equalizer, and Steve Mounie secured the win for Benin with a goal in first-half stoppage time.
With Osimhen’s absence, all eyes are on Victor Boniface, who will be leading the Super Eagles’ attack. Coach Augustine Eguavoen will also have the experience of William Troost-Ekong, who returns to the squad after missing out on the June World Cup qualifiers due to injury. Taiwo Awoniyi, another key player who missed the last AFCON and the June matches due to injury, has also been called up to the squad.
Defensive adjustments have been made as well. Bright Osayi-Samuel of Fenerbahce is out due to injury, and newly signed Crawley Town defender Benjamin Tanimu has been brought in as his replacement. Meanwhile, Benin’s squad will feature the return of Dossou and Mounie, who were instrumental in their previous win over Nigeria. Bachirou Sika from Coton FC and Samadou Attidjikou from Bani Ganse FC have received their first call-ups to the national team.
