Nigeria vs Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium is the first match of the AFCON 2025 qualifiers for the Super Eagles.
After the U-turn by Bruno Labbadia, the Nigeria vs Benin Republic match is a must-win for Nigeria without a substantive coach.
Once again, the technical director of the Nigerian federation, Eguavoen is called upon to lead the team temporarily.
Nigeria Vs Benin Republic: Return Of Eguavoen
Augustine Eguavoen’s 1st task is to get the Super Eagles off to a good start in the #AFCONQ2025 qualifiers, helping the team pick up their 1st win since March.
The team has gone three games without a win – losing to Mali and Benin while salvaging a 1-1 draw against South Africa.
Last time Eguavoen was coach of the Eagles, he lost in the quarter-final of the 2021 AFCON to Tunisia in Cameroon, before losing to Ghana in a Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier.
It’s a new Journey. We all know preparation towards such game comes with nothing shot of winning. Expectations are high But we’re in good spirit. We at home Will respect people. We expect the same thing. The three points is crucial and that’s what we’re aiming.
While Nigerians are skeptical about Eguavoen’s return, captain Ekong is excited at the Return of the coach,
“I don’t think we look at where the coach is from. I’ve said it many times before, I think it’s always an advantage. When we have a coach from Nigeria, Someone who’s been on the field, has stepped in our shoes has walked the walk. Before us I think that so much experience to us.”
Revenge
For the Super Eagles, the match is an opportunity to exact revenge for the loss to the same opponent in a World Cup qualifier in March.
Benin Republic, led by former Nigeria coach, Gernot Rohr beat the Super Eagles 2-1 in Abidjan.
Raphael scored for Nigeria before the Eagles conceded two to lose the game.
Reunion
Captain William Troost-Ekong, Ola Aina, new Galatasaray signing, and African best player Victor Osimhen return to the team having missed the World Cup qualifiers against their opponent.
“It’s always a big privilege to be here again. We’re very excited about this new campaign. I think everyone Doesn’t need to be reminded how much joy we had months ago. This is our biggest challenge. A message to the team as well is that we want to make sure that we there again in Morocco and that starts tomorrow”.
Their return is a big boost to the team and presents a perfect opportunity to turn things around and build confidence as they embark on their quest for a place in the 2025 AFCON tournament in Morocco.
