The stage is set for a showdown between Nigeria and Benin Republic after both nations were drawn into the same group for the 2025 AFCON qualifiers, sparking a mix of optimism and pessimism. The draw, announced on Thursday in South Africa, placed the Super Eagles and the Cheetahs in Group D, alongside Libya and Rwanda.
This follows Benin’s recent 2-1 victory over Nigeria in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in June, adding extra intensity to the upcoming matches. The AFCON qualifiers will take place from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, as CAF adjusts the tournament schedule due to a congested FIFA calendar. The six-match series will span the FIFA windows in September, October, and November, with fixtures to be released soon.
Nigeria’s recent loss to Benin, under former Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr, was a significant setback for the Super Eagles. The defeat left them with just three points from four games, placing them fifth in Group C of the World Cup qualifiers. Following another poor result, Finidi George resigned as the Eagles’ coach, and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is currently searching for a foreign technical adviser.
Rwanda tops Nigeria’s group in the World Cup qualifiers with seven points, tied with South Africa and Benin. Nigeria and Rwanda have yet to face each other on the road to the USA, Canada, and Mexico in 2026 but will clash over two legs in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers before year’s end.
The uncertainty surrounding Nigeria’s coaching position has caused concern among fans. “Finidi George resigned almost a month ago, he’s picked up a new job, we know our opponents in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers, and there’s still no word from the NFF on the vacant coaching position of the Super Eagles,” remarked ACL Sports writer Samuel Areo.
“Nigeria and Rwanda, what sins have you committed? It’s time for Benin to stamp themselves and come out first in the group for the AFCON. I believe in what I’m saying,” wrote Beninese fan Dieu Donné Sodjinou on Facebook.
Other fans echoed a more cautious sentiment. “What pact did we sign with Nigeria to meet them in every round? We are in a tough group, let’s get to work and stop underestimating a team. Good luck to us,” commented Iskandarou Moussa.
As both countries prepare for the qualifiers, the battle of optimism and pessimism continues to unfold, with fans and analysts eagerly awaiting the outcomes of these critical matches.
