Nigeria vs Benin Republic Prediction: The Super Eagles will avenge their recent defeat against their neighbour

The Super Eagles of Nigeria will commence their AFCON Qualifying journey with a matchup against Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on Saturday. The group comprises two familiar faces, Rwanda and Benin, including Libya. After a shocking defeat against the Cheetahs in the FIFA qualifying round, Nigeria will be keen to flip the script to stand a chance against booking their spot in the forthcoming AFCON 2025. 

Nigeria

FIFA Ranking: 39th

Last five games: LWLDL

The Super Eagles dropped nine places in the latest FIFA ranking following their recent terrible run. Nigeria march here with a stalemate against South Africa and defeated the Benin Republic on neutral ground. The game, which produced many goal-scoring chances, was the Super Eagles' fourth game in this competition without a breakthrough. 

The terrible performances prompted the NFF to sack the interim coach, Finidi George, and appoint Augustine Eguavoen Owen. 

Nigeria, who were runner-up in the AFCON Tournament have failed to win any of their last three games.  

The Super Eagles have been below par lately, and anything aside, the maximum points might cause them problems in the long run. 

Benin Republic

FIFA Ranking: 91st

Last five games: DDLWW

The Cheetahs won back-to-back games for the first time since 2020, as they defeated Rwanda and Nigeria respectively. After their (1-0) victory over Rwanda, Benin Republic scored twice before the break to overturn the Super Eagles' early lead. 

Benin Republic have won two games over their last twenty games, and Gernot Rohr's men will be keen to do the double over their opponent. 

Their last appearance in this tournament earned them five points from a combined eighteen, as they failed to make it to the AFCON Championship. 

Expert Betting Tips

Nigeria have won three, while Benin Republic have managed one victory over their previous four meetings. Their recent clash ended in a (2-1) victory for the Cheetahs, who came from a goal down to defeat the Super Eagles. Just because of the defeat, interim coach Finidi George resigned. Nigeria will start a new life under former tactician Augustine Eguaveon, and they’ll be keen to rewrite their wrongs here.

The giants of Africa have struggled recently and they can’t afford to drop points against a Benin team who are sky high in confidence after their recent win in Ivory Coast. Benin have named a strong side for this clash, which includes Akinyoola Samson of Zamalek, Tosin Aiyegun, and Olaitan Junior, to mention a few. 

Nigeria are expected to start with a front three of Lookman, Osimhen, and Chukwu Eze, with Ndidi and Onyeka in the midfield. We expect the Super Eagles to avenge their recent loss against the Beini Republic; bet on home to score before the break for 1.72.

Former Nigerian coach Gernot Rohr will be poised to prove his worth against the Eagles, and we expect his team to at least get a goal here; bet on BTTS for 2.60.

This game will produce more than two goals for 2.15.

Good luck!