Afrigather The Tremendous Eagles of Nigeria will probably be trying to kick-off their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers on a robust word after they welcome Benin to the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Saturday, Soccernet.ng studies.
It has been a number of torrid months for Nigeria since their spectacular performances on the 2023 AFCON earlier this yr. Beneath the tutelage of Jose Peseiro, the three-time African champions reached the ultimate however surrendered a one-goal result in lose 2-1.
Nonetheless, because the Tremendous Eagles left that event, apart from Peseiro, who left the crew, the flexibility and mentality to win video games has additionally left them.
Of the 4 video games the Tremendous Eagles performed, they gained one, misplaced two, and drew one. All these outcomes had been below coach Finidi George, who parted methods with the Nigeria Soccer Federation in June.
Nonetheless, after the NFF’s merry-go-round regarding a brand new coach, Victor Osimhen’s insubordination, and the purported appointment of Bruno Labbadia, interim coach Augustine Eguavoen will probably be trying to return the Tremendous Eagles to successful methods.
Match particulars
It will likely be a return to Nigeria for Benin coach Gernot Rohr, who was answerable for the Tremendous Eagles between 2016 and 2021.
The Franco-German tactician is aware of the Tremendous Eagles squad nicely, which may play within the Cheetah’s favour.
Then again, Eguavoen was introduced because the coach to see the Tremendous Eagles by means of the following set of video games after the comedy of errors from the NFF of their appointment of a brand new coach.
Eguavoen has already labored with many of the gamers earlier than, in order that they gained’t be unusual to his techniques or his type of play.
Crew Information
Coach Eguavoen may have the total enhances of his squad for the fixture apart from Osayi-Samuel, who sustained an harm whereas on membership obligation. In his place, Benjamin Tanimu was known as as much as exchange him.
Additionally, Osimhen might not function as he has not performed a soccer match since June and has been busy checking out his future.
Terem Moffi stays a long-term absentee after struggling an ACL earlier than the beginning of the season.
For Benin, Rohr is not going to have the providers of all his star gamers besides Mohamed Tijani, who’s at present battling a niggling harm.
Head-to-head
The final time each international locations performed, Benin defeated Nigeria 2-1 at a impartial venue in Ivory Coast. The Tremendous Eagles dominated the tie however lacked the innovative within the ultimate third. That signalled Nigeria’s first-ever loss to their West African neighbours in six conferences.
Benin misplaced simply one in every of their final 5 video games, an away sport in opposition to Senegal. Then again, Nigeria have gained simply one in every of their final 5 video games.
Match evaluation
Though Benin gained the final sport, Nigeria dominated the fixture. Additionally, stars like Osimhen and William Troost-Ekong had been absent from that sport.
Nonetheless, these gamers will probably be current for the following sport and can doubtless begin. With Eguavoen’s well-known attacking techniques, Nigeria is anticipated to dominate the play. The Tremendous Eagles may even attempt to rating early to banish the ghosts of the final sport.
Then again, Benin will probably be snug sitting again and absorbing the stress, hoping to catch Nigeria on the counter. Because of Nigeria’s residence benefit, it gained’t be simple for them.
They are going to search for bits and scraps like set-plays to get the ball into Nigeria’s space. Hopefully, Troost-Ekong or whoever performs as a centre defender will be capable of cope with the menace.
Line up and Prediction
Nigeria: Stanley Nwabili; William Troost-Ekong, Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina, Bruno Onyemaechi; Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru; Victor Osimhen, Samuel Chukwueze, Ademola Lookman.
Benin: Marcel Dandjinou; Abdoul Moumini, Cedric Hountondji, Yohan Roche, David Kiki; Sessi D’Almeida, Jodel Dossou, Douko Dodo, Hassane Imourane, Junior Olaitan; Steve Mounie.
Nigeria are favorites going into the tie and will be capable of get all three factors due to their high quality on paper.
The Tremendous Eagles ought to be capable of get a 2-0 win in Uyo.
