Nigeria, on ten points, are fresh of a controversial walkover against Libya after the latter tried to sabotage their fixture in the last round.
On the other hand, Benin, who are tutored by Nigeria’s former coach Gernot Rohr, are fresh off a loss to Rwanda in the last round of games.
Going into the fixture, Nigeria are favourites due to the quality of players invited, as compared to that of Benin. Also, the game will be played in Ivory Coast at Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny. Hence, there will be no home advantage for the Cheetas.
1. Victor Osimhen
The Galatasaray man has been the most reliable striker for Nigeria in recent years. In fact, he has ascended to become the third highest goalscorer for Nigeria, only behind Rashidi Yekini and the mathematical Segun Odegbami.
Last time Nigeria played against Benin, the Galatasaray scored the third goal to seal the win.
This time, he is in top form with six goals in his last five games for Galatasaray. You definitely can’t put it past him to get one, two, three, or more against a Benin side that have far less quality than the Super Eagles.
2. Ademola Lookman
Lookman has become very important player for the Super Eagles in the past 12 months. The Atalanta man has been brilliant for both club and country in the past year, and it is no surprise that he is even a nominee for CAF Player of the Year.
Lookman provides a serious attacking threat for Nigeria on the left side of the attack. And he has mastered the art of thriving in the smallest of spaces. The 27-year-old attacker has always delivered when the chips are down. So, coach Augustine Eguavoen will be hoping that he can continue with his impressive performances once more.
3. William Troost-Ekong
In the past year, Nigeria’s captain fantastic has probably been more reliable than the Marvel character Captain America.
Although in his 30s Troost-Ekong has provided a big measure of solidity to Nigeria’s defence. When Benin defeated Nigeria in June, he was absent. But when both teams met again in September, he was available, and the Super Eagles triumphed.
Asides from his solidity, he is a great leader on the pitch and is great at rallying his troops. As such, Troost-Ekong will be one to watch out for.
4. Stanley Nwabali
The Chippa United star is one of the gifts coach Jose Peseiro left for Nigeria before he exited in March. Nwabali has been Mr. Reliable in between Nigeria’s goalposts. His presence has brought a good level of calm that has not been experienced since Carl Ikeme.
If the outfield players fail to turn up on the day, Nwabali has proven that he can make great saves that can keep the Super Eagles in the game. He also has a great relationship with the backline.
5. Fisayo Dele-Bashiru
The Lazio star has developed a penchant for delivering important goals for Nigeria recently. He has registered four caps for the Super Eagles, and those have come in tough games against South Africa and Libya.
Dele-Bashiru has been great off the bench. And even if he does not start, he could give the Super Eagles and extra oomph from the bench. His presence in the team gives Eguavoen a different dynamic, and could be a big weapon against Benin, who would look to sit back and catch Nigeria on the counter.
With these players, Nigeria should be able to get all three points and confirm their place at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
