As Nigeria’s Super Eagles prepare for their crucial second-leg 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against the Republic of Benin, the squad has been given a considerable advantage: Benin’s central defender, Cedric Hountondji, will likely miss the match. Hountondji, a defensive stalwart known for his strength and consistency, remains sidelined due to an ankle injury he sustained before Benin’s previous fixture against Rwanda in September.

The 30-year-old defender, who plays for French club Angers SCO, has been absent from both club and international duty since his setback, which notably impacted Benin’s last match. While the Cheetahs secured victory in the first leg against Rwanda, his absence was felt in the return fixture, where they narrowly lost 2-1. His continued recovery issues were confirmed by Angers’ head coach Alexandre Dujeux, who recently ruled Hountondji out of the squad traveling to face AS Monaco.

Currently sitting second in their group with six points, Benin’s hopes of securing AFCON qualification remain alive but face a challenge without their defensive leader. With Hountondji still out, head coach Gernot Rohr must navigate the upcoming Nigeria and Libya fixtures to keep Benin’s path to 2025 AFCON intact.

For Nigeria, this development could play a key role in easing their way to qualification, as they aim to capitalize on the gap in Benin’s defense.