As Nigeria’s Super Eagles prepare for a decisive AFCON 2025 qualifying match against Benin Republic, familiar faces like Kelechi Iheanacho and Wilfred Ndidi have touched down in Abidjan, joining an already growing camp. Former Super Eagles coach and current Benin head coach, Gernot Rohr, has pointed out a possible Achilles’ heel in the Nigerian defense, hinting that Benin could capitalize on it to secure a vital win.

Rohr, who has deep insights into Nigerian football, expressed optimism that Benin can challenge the Super Eagles in Thursday’s high-stakes game at Abidjan’s Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium. “We have the return of Lenny Piringuel, who, with his new club Rouen, is starting to find his mark,” Rohr stated. “His liveliness interests us, especially against a Nigerian team that might have small issues in defense.”

With Benin currently in second place in Group D, six points from four matches, they have a narrow lead over Rwanda, who trail with five points and will face Libya on the same day. For Nigeria, a single point from their remaining two matches would secure their AFCON qualification. However, the Cheetahs of Benin are determined to complicate the Super Eagles’ path.

Nigeria’s caretaker coach, Augustine Eguavoen, will be without injured West Brom defender Semi Ajayi, a loss that potentially weakens the defense. Yet Eguavoen has called up Gabriel Osho from Auxerre and Victor Collins from Nasarawa United, both of whom will join forces with established defenders like William Troost-Ekong and Fulham’s Calvin Bassey.

The camp atmosphere is intensifying as eleven players, including Iheanacho, Ndidi, Udinese’s Maduka Okoye, Gabriel Osho, Frank Onyeka, and Raphael Onyedika, are now in Abidjan, with further reinforcements such as Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Alex Iwobi expected soon.

Though Nigeria remains in a strong position for qualification, Rohr’s Benin side appears ready to challenge them every step of the way.