Super Eagles poised to secure AFCON 2025 ticket
By Tosin Omojola
Three-time African champions Nigeria are on the brink of qualifying for the 35th Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final tournament if they can defeat the Cheetahs of Benin Republic in a Matchday 5 encounter in Abidjan on Thursday.
The Super Eagles, currently riding high with 10 points from three wins and a single draw (a Matchday 2 clash with Rwanda in Kigali), are well positioned at the top of the group. They hold a four-point lead over second-placed Benin Republic, who stumbled in their last game against Rwanda.
A win would virtually ensure Nigeria’s group leadership going into the final matchday, as it would give them an unassailable lead.
Benin, meanwhile, are on six points and need a win to stay competitive, especially after their recent setback in Kigali. If the Cheetahs lose, they risk elimination, especially if Rwanda, currently on five points, manages to pick up at least two points in their final two games.
Even Libya, on one point, could leapfrog Benin if certain results fall into place, including victories over Rwanda and the Cheetahs in their final matches.
These stakes set the stage for an intense 90 minutes at the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny in Abidjan on Thursday.
With centre-back Semi Ajayi out due to injury, Coach Augustine Eguavoen is likely to deploy the same defensive lineup that faced the Mediterranean Knights of Libya last month. This would include Captain William Ekong and Calvin Bassey in central defense, with Olaoluwa Aina and Bruno Onyemaechi as the wing-backs.
In midfield, Eguavoen has options with Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi, and the defensive duo of Frank Onyeka and Raphael Onyedika.
Up front, Nigeria’s attack boasts Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Victor Boniface, Samuel Chukwueze, Sadiq Umar, and Kelechi Iheanacho.
A victory on Thursday would render Monday’s concluding qualifier against Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo a mere formality, with only Rwanda seeking points while the Super Eagles would play solely for pride.
