Nigeria’s Super Eagles, under the temporary guidance of caretaker coach Augustine Eguavoen, are set to embark on a highly anticipated campaign for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, seeking redemption against their West African neighbors, Benin Republic. The encounter, scheduled for Wednesday, carries an extra layer of intrigue as Nigeria looks to avenge their recent 2-1 defeat to Benin during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers just three months ago. That unexpected loss sent shockwaves through Nigerian football and led to the dismissal of then-coach Finidi George, raising the stakes even higher for the Super Eagles in this upcoming clash.
Augustine Eguavoen’s appointment as caretaker coach came at the eleventh hour after a deal with German coach Bruno Labbadia fell through. Labbadia, a former Bundesliga manager, was initially chosen to lead the Super Eagles, but reports suggest he backed out of the role due to a dispute over tax-related financial commitments that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) allegedly refused to cover. The coaching saga has been yet another chapter in Nigeria’s tumultuous football management, as the team continues to seek stability following a series of coaching changes over the past few years.
Labbadia’s expected arrival had drawn attention as it set the stage for a showdown with his fellow countryman, Gernot Rohr, who now coaches Benin. Rohr, who spent five years managing Nigeria before being unceremoniously dismissed amid public dissatisfaction with his results, masterminded Benin’s victory over Nigeria in their previous encounter. That match saw goals from Jodel Dossou and Steve Mounie, who led the Cheetahs to a remarkable comeback victory, despite Nigeria’s higher ranking and supposed superiority in talent. For Rohr, the win was particularly satisfying, as it allowed him to prove a point against the nation that once entrusted him with their footballing future.
The loss to Benin had far-reaching consequences for Nigeria’s football, as it ultimately cost former coach Finidi George his job. After just four matches in charge of the Super Eagles, George was dismissed, leaving the NFF scrambling to find a replacement in time for the crucial AFCON qualifiers. His tenure was short and filled with disappointment, as the team struggled to find cohesion and consistency under his leadership. With George gone and Labbadia turning down the role, the responsibility has fallen back on Eguavoen, who previously managed the team on an interim basis during the 2021 AFCON tournament.
Eguavoen, a former Nigerian international and a seasoned coach, will now be tasked with steadying the ship and guiding Nigeria through this pivotal period. Despite the coaching challenges, the Super Eagles are still considered one of the powerhouses of African football, boasting a roster filled with world-class attacking talent. Reigning African Footballer of the Year, Victor Osimhen, is expected to lead the line for Nigeria, bringing his lethal goal-scoring ability to the fore. Osimhen, who has been in scintillating form for both club and country, will be key to Nigeria’s chances of reversing their fortunes against Benin.
Alongside Osimhen, the likes of Victor Boniface and Ademola Lookman provide Eguavoen with a wealth of attacking options. Boniface, a rising star in European football, has continued to impress with his clinical finishing and physical presence. Lookman, known for his flair and creativity on the ball, will likely be deployed to unlock Benin’s defense and create scoring opportunities for his teammates. This formidable attacking trio, supported by a talented midfield and defensive lineup, gives Nigeria the firepower needed to secure a much-needed victory in the opening round of Group D play.
The match will take place in Uyo, a city in southeastern Nigeria that has become a fortress for the Super Eagles in recent years. The Akwa Ibom Stadium, often referred to as the “Nest of Champions,” will be packed with passionate Nigerian supporters, all eager to see their team exact revenge on their neighbors and start their AFCON qualifying campaign on a positive note. The atmosphere in Uyo is expected to be electric, as fans rally behind their team in what is shaping up to be a high-stakes encounter.
Nigeria’s road to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is not just about securing qualification but also about reasserting their dominance in African football. Despite their runner-up finish to host Ivory Coast in the 2024 AFCON final, the Super Eagles have faced growing pressure to deliver more consistent results, especially given the abundance of talent at their disposal. The clash against Benin is seen as a litmus test for Eguavoen and his ability to manage the expectations of a football-crazed nation.
As the qualifiers kick off, the narrative surrounding this match extends beyond just the tactical battle on the pitch. For Nigeria, it’s a story of redemption, as they seek to restore their pride and confidence after a tumultuous period. For Benin, it’s an opportunity to prove that their victory over Nigeria was no fluke and that they are a force to be reckoned with in African football under the astute guidance of Gernot Rohr.
While much of the focus will be on the showdown between Nigeria and Benin, this fixture is just one of several high-profile opening-round matches in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers. As the journey to the continent’s most prestigious football tournament begins, teams across Africa will be vying for a place in the finals, with dreams of lifting the coveted trophy. For now, however, all eyes will be on Uyo, as the Super Eagles prepare to soar once more.
