Benin vs Nigeria: Preview, Prediction, Team News, Head to Head and Predicted Lineups.

Tournament: Africa Cup of Nations, 2025 AFCON Qualifiers
Teams: Benin Republic vs Nigeria
Date: Thursday, November 14, 2024
Time: 7 pm GMT
Venue: Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny, Abidjan

In an eagerly anticipated clash in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Qualifiers, Benin will host Nigeria on November 14, 2024, at the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny. This Group D matchup is critical for both teams, especially Benin, as they fight to secure their place in the next round. Nigeria leads Group D with 10 points from four matches, while Benin holds second place with six points. The outcome of this match could significantly impact the standings and determine which teams advance.

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Benin’s Path to Qualification

Benin National Football Team’s qualification campaign has been marked by mixed performances. They currently occupy second place with six points, four behind Nigeria. Benin Republic‘s two victories and two defeats have kept them above Rwanda by just one point, creating a competitive scenario where each game is essential.

A loss against Nigeria, combined with a victory for Rwanda over Libya, would see Benin drop to third place, threatening their qualification hopes. This critical situation demands a strong performance from Benin, who will look to make full use of their home advantage and secure a result against a formidable Nigerian side.

Nigeria’s Dominance in Group D

Super Eagles of Nigeria has enjoyed a successful campaign in Group D, sitting at the top with three wins and one draw from four matches. With 10 points, the Super Eagles are nearly assured of progressing to the next round, and a win or draw against Benin would officially secure their spot. Nigeria’s strong position allows them some flexibility, but they will still seek a victory to maintain their momentum.

Team News and Predicted Lineups

Benin National Football Team News

Benin will enter this match with a fully fit squad, giving them the advantage of deploying their best lineup. Manager Moussa Latoundji has a range of choices, including several players who have been instrumental in Benin’s AFCON campaign. The lineup is expected to feature a blend of defensive strength and attacking prowess, given the high stakes of the encounter.

Benin National Football Team Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1):

• Goalkeeper: Marcel Dandjinou
• Defenders: Rachid Moumini, Cedric Hountondji, Mohamed Tijani, Yohan Roche
•  Midfielders: Sessi D’Almeida, Hassane Imourane, Douko Dodo
•  Forwards: Andreas Houtondji, Steve Mounie, Junior Olaitan

Nigeria National Football Team News

Nigeria will also field a fully fit squad, with no reported injuries. Head coach Jose Peseiro is likely to continue with his preferred lineup, which has been instrumental in their success thus far. Super Eagles’ squad depth is one of their biggest strengths, and they boast several high-caliber players in both the starting lineup and bench.

Nigeria National Football Team Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1):

• Goalkeeper: Stanley Nwabili
• Defenders: Ola Aina, William Troost-Ekong, Calvin Bassey, Sopuruchukwu Onyemaechi
• Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Alex Iwobi
• Forwards: Moses Simon, Victor Boniface, Ademola Lookman

Head-to-Head Record: Benin vs Nigeria

Nigeria National Football Team has dominated past encounters with Benin Republic. Out of their last four matches, Nigeria has won three, while Benin has managed only one victory.

Last Five Results:

• Nigeria 3-0 Benin (AFCON Qualifiers, September 7, 2024)
• Benin 2-1 Nigeria (FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, June 10, 2024)
• Benin 0-1 Nigeria (AFCON Qualifiers, March 27, 2021)
• Nigeria 2-1 Benin (AFCON Qualifiers, November 13, 2019)

Key Players to Watch

Benin Republic National Football Team: Andreas Houtondji

Benin’s right winger, Andreas Houtondji, currently plays for Burnley in the English Premier League. Known for his pace and technical skills, the 22-year-old has shown promise at both the club and international levels. Although Houtondji is still finding his footing at Burnley, he has made an impact for the national team, scoring twice in 10 appearances. He was particularly impressive in Benin’s recent 2-1 victory over Rwanda, where he scored a crucial goal. Against Nigeria, Houtondji’s attacking flair will be key if Benin hopes to break down a well-organized Nigerian defense.

Nigeria National Football Team: Ademola Lookman

Ademola Lookman has been a standout for both club and country. The forward, who plays for Atalanta in Italy’s Serie A, has been in remarkable form, particularly since the beginning of the 2023-24 season. Lookman’s highlights include a hat-trick in the UEFA Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen, securing Atalanta’s first European trophy. Lookman has scored eight goals and provided five assists in 14 appearances across all competitions this season. For Nigeria, Lookman’s record stands at eight goals and four assists in 26 games. His creativity and scoring ability will be essential for Nigeria in the upcoming match.

Benin vs Nigeria Prediction

Despite Nigeria’s comfortable position at the top of Group D, they are unlikely to take Benin lightly. A win or even a draw would secure Nigeria’s qualification, allowing them the freedom to experiment in their final group match. Nigeria’s FIFA ranking of 36 contrasts sharply with Benin’s 95th position, underscoring their strength.

Benin has shown resilience, bouncing back from a string of poor performances to win four of their last six matches. However, they suffered a heavy 3-0 defeat to Nigeria in their last encounter. While Benin’s determination and home support will make for a spirited game, Nigeria’s quality and experience could give them the edge.

Soccer Mole Predicted Score: Benin 1-2 Nigeria

Where to Watch Benin vs Nigeria Live?

For fans eager to follow the action, the Benin vs Nigeria game will be available on multiple streaming platforms. Check below for available viewing options:

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Conclusion

The Benin vs Nigeria clash in the AFCON Qualifiers is shaping up to be an exciting matchup with significant implications for both teams. While Nigeria is close to securing their spot in the next round, Benin is fighting to stay in contention. With key players like Andreas Houtondji and Ademola Lookman poised to influence the game, fans can expect a thrilling encounter.

Both teams bring different motivations to the table—Benin to retain second place and keep their qualification hopes alive, and Nigeria to cement their dominance in Group D. Whether you’re cheering from Benin or Nigeria National Football Team, this game promises to deliver high-stakes football.

The post Benin vs Nigeria Prediction, H2H, Lineups | AFCON Qualifiers, Nov. 14, 2024 appeared first on Fakaza Hiphopza.

Check the Benin national football team vs Nigeria national football team stats, featuring head-to-head records, results, lineups, key players, memorable matches, and recent form analysis in this detailed breakdown.

The rivalry between the Benin national football team and the Nigeria national football team is a reflection of their competitive nature in West African football. Although Nigeria has historically been the dominant force, Benin’s growing football prowess makes their matchups highly anticipated. This editorial will explore the stats between these two teams, focusing on recent encounters, player performance, and key statistics. We will delve into their recent matches, including the AFCON 2025 qualification match in September 2024 and the 2026 World Cup qualification match earlier in June 2024.

Historical Overview of Benin vs Nigeria Football Rivalry

The Benin national football team, also known as “The Squirrels,” has always been considered an underdog when compared to Nigeria’s “Super Eagles.” Nigeria, a three-time African Cup of Nations (AFCON) champion, has a rich football history, boasting participation in numerous World Cup tournaments and a track record of success across the African continent. Benin, on the other hand, has been steadily improving, qualifying for several AFCON tournaments in recent years and nurturing a new generation of talented players.

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While Nigeria has more victories in the head-to-head record, Benin has occasionally caused upsets, making their encounters unpredictable. The teams have faced each other in numerous competitions, including the AFCON, World Cup qualifiers, and regional tournaments like the West African Football Union (WAFU) Cup.

Benin vs Nigeria: Recent Matches

AFCON 2025 Qualification Match (September 7th, 2024) – Nigeria 3-0 Benin

On September 7th, 2024, Nigeria and Benin faced off in an AFCON 2025 qualification match. Nigeria dominated the game, securing a 3-0 victory over Benin in a clinical performance. Nigeria’s frontline was in top form, with their attack overwhelming Benin’s defense from the start.

• Goalscorers: Nigeria’s goals came from Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman. Ademola Lookman’s opening goal in the 45+2 minute and ended it at 83rd minute set the tone for the game, while Victor Osimhen scored at 78th minute.
• Key Stats:
  • Possession: Nigeria 57%, Benin 43%
  • Shots on Target: Nigeria 5, Benin 3
  • Corners: Nigeria 7, Benin 2

This match showcased Nigeria’s superiority in both defense and attack. Benin struggled to create scoring opportunities and often found themselves defending deep in their half. Despite the loss, Benin’s coach praised the team’s effort and acknowledged that Nigeria’s experience and quality were difficult to overcome.

2026 World Cup Qualification Match (June 10th, 2024) – Benin 2-1 Nigeria

In a surprising twist, Benin stunned Nigeria in a 2026 World Cup qualification match on June 10th, 2024, with a 2-1 victory. This match demonstrated that Benin could challenge the heavyweights of African football on their day.

• Goalscorers: Benin’s goals came from Steve Mounié and Jodel Dossou. Mounié’s header in the 45+3 minute gave Benin the lead, and Dossou doubled the advantage in the 35th minute. Nigeria pulled one back from Raphael Onyedika assisted by Samuel Chukwueze in the 27th minute, but it was not enough to prevent defeat.
• Key Stats:
  • Possession: Nigeria 60%, Benin 40%
  • Shots on Target: Nigeria 5, Benin 4
  • Corners: Nigeria 8, Benin 2

This win was a significant morale boost for Benin, as they had rarely managed to defeat Nigeria in competitive matches. Benin’s defense remained solid throughout the game, and their counter-attacking style proved effective against Nigeria’s high-pressing game.

AFCON 2021 Qualifier (November 13, 2019)

One of the most memorable recent encounters between Benin and Nigeria took place during the AFCON 2021 qualifiers. Nigeria secured a 2-1 victory over Benin, but the match showcased Benin’s resilience and ability to challenge stronger teams. Stephane Sessegnon scored the opening goal for Benin, but Nigeria came back strongly, with goals from Victor Osimhen and Samuel Kalu sealing the win for the Super Eagles.

AFCON 2010 Qualifier (March 30, 2008)

In another significant clash, Nigeria defeated Benin 2-0 during the AFCON 2010 qualifiers. Nigeria’s attacking prowess was on full display, with goals from Yakubu Aiyegbeni and Obafemi Martins. This match highlighted Nigeria’s tactical superiority and squad depth compared to Benin at the time.

AFCON 2004 Group Stage (January 31, 2004)

Benin and Nigeria faced off in the AFCON 2004 group stage, where Nigeria cruised to a 2-1 victory. Benin showed flashes of potential but couldn’t contain Nigeria’s attacking firepower, led by Nwankwo Kanu and Jay-Jay Okocha. This match was one of Benin’s early experiences at a major tournament and helped lay the foundation for their future progress in African football.

Key Player Stats: Benin vs Nigeria

Both teams feature talented players who have been instrumental in shaping the outcomes of these matches.

• Nigeria:
  • Victor Osimhen – One of the most prolific strikers in Africa, Victor Osimhen has been Nigeria’s main goal threat. His pace, physicality, and finishing skills have made him a standout performer, as evidenced by his goals in recent fixtures.
  • Ademola Lookman – A dynamic winger, Ademola Lookman is known for his dribbling ability and creativity. He consistently troubles defenders and plays a key role in Nigeria’s attack.
  • Victor Boniface – Anchoring the frontline, Victor Boniface‘s striking abilities provide stability for Nigeria. He is crucial in breaking up opposition deffence and controlling the pace of the game.
• Benin:
  • Steve Mounié – The towering striker is Benin’s primary attacking outlet. His aerial prowess and ability to hold up the ball make him a constant threat, particularly from set pieces.
  • Jodel Dossou – A pacy winger, Dossou has been vital in Benin’s counter-attacks. His goal in the 2026 World Cup qualification match was a testament to his clinical finishing.
  • Khaled Adenon – A seasoned defender, Adenon is the leader of Benin’s backline. His experience and leadership are crucial, especially in high-pressure matches.

Comparing Team Stats: Benin vs Nigeria

1. Head-to-Head Record:
   • Total Matches Played: 8
   • Nigeria Wins: 6
   • Benin Wins: 2
   • Draws: 0

While Nigeria clearly has the upper hand in the head-to-head statistics, Benin’s recent victory in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers shows that they are capable of competing at the highest level.

Tactics and Formations

• Nigeria typically plays a 4-3-3 formation, focusing on attacking play through their talented forwards. Their wingers, such as Chukwueze, stretch the play, while Osimhen operates as the main striker. Nigeria’s midfield is usually controlled by Ndidi, providing balance between defense and attack.
• Benin often adopts a more defensive 4-2-3-1 formation, prioritizing a compact defense and quick counter-attacks. Mounié serves as the target man, with support from wingers like Dossou. Benin’s midfield is key in breaking up opposition play and transitioning quickly into attack.

Conclusion

The Benin vs Nigeria football rivalry continues to be an exciting fixture in African football. Nigeria, with its wealth of talent and history, often goes into these matches as favorites, but Benin has shown that they are more than capable of challenging their more illustrious neighbors. The recent matches in 2024—Nigeria’s 3-0 victory in the AFCON qualifiers and Benin’s 2-1 win in the World Cup qualifiers—are perfect examples of the unpredictable nature of this fixture.

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FAQs

1. How many times have Benin and Nigeria played against each other?
Benin and Nigeria have played 8 matches, with Nigeria winning 6, Benin winning 2, and 0 draws.

2. What was the result of the recent AFCON 2025 qualifier between Benin and Nigeria?
Nigeria won 3-0 against Benin on September 7th, 2024, in the AFCON 2025 qualification match.

3. Who scored in the AFCON 2025 qualification match between Benin and Nigeria?
Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman (2) scored for Nigeria in their 3-0 victory.

4. What was the result of the 2026 World Cup qualification match between Benin and Nigeria?
Benin won 2-1 against Nigeria on June 10th, 2024, in the 2026 World Cup qualification match.

5. Who were the goalscorers in the 2026 World Cup qualification match?
Steve Mounié and Jodel Dossou scored for Benin, while Raphael Onyeika scored for Nigeria.

6. Who are the key players for Nigeria?
Key players for Nigeria include Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and Victor Boniface.

7. Who are the key players for Benin?
Key players for Benin include Steve Mounié, Jodel Dossou, and Khaled Adenon.

8. What formations do Benin and Nigeria typically use?
Nigeria often plays in a 4-3-3 formation, while Benin typically uses a 4-2-3-1 formation.

9. How many goals has Nigeria scored against Benin in their encounters?
Nigeria has scored 34 goals against Benin in their encounters.

10. How many times has Benin kept a clean sheet against Nigeria?
Benin has kept 1 clean sheets against Nigeria.

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