Benin vs Nigeria Prediction, Preview, Team News, and Lineups | AFCON Qualifiers, November 14, 2024

Benin vs Nigeria Preview

• Tournament: Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers
• Date: Thursday, November 14, 2024
• Time: 7 pm GMT
• Venue: Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny

Benin will host Nigeria at the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny in an important Group D clash of the Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers. While it might not be that important for the Super Eagles, it is one for Benin.

Nigeria currently lead Group D with 10 points after winning three and drawing one of their first four games. They are likely to proceed to the next round comfortably and hence, the fight is most likely for the second place between the remaining three teams.

The second place is currently occupied by Benin as they sit four points behind Nigeria with two wins and two defeats so far. They are just one point above Rwanda, though, and will need to avoid and further stumbles to reach the next round. If they lose against Nigeria and Rwanda beat Libya, Benin will go down to third.

Hence, it’s a vital clash for the hosts while Nigeria will also look to make sure their momentum doesn’t drop.

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Benin Team News

Benin will have all of their players available for the clash against Nigeria.

Nigeria Team News

Nigeria will also have all of their players available for the clash against Benin.

Predicted Lineups

Benin 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

Attackers: Andreas Houtondji, Steve Mounie, Junior Olaitan

Nigeria 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

Attackers: Moses Simon, Victor Boniface, Ademola Lookman

Benin vs Nigeria H2H Record

In their previous four meetings, Nigeria have won three times while Benin have won just once.

Last 5 results:

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Key Players to watch in Benin vs Nigeria

Andreas Houtondji

Andreas Houtondji plays on the right wing for Benin national team and Burnley. In his club career, he played for multiple French sides before moving to Burnley in the summer this year. The 22-year-old hasn’t been able to establish himself as the first-team starter so far, making just eight appearances but is a promising talent.

Houtondji scored for Benin in their 2-1 win over Rwanda last month. Overall, he has scored two goals in 10 games for his national side and will look to add to his tally against African giants Nigeria on Thursday.

Ademola Lookman

Ademola Lookman has been in sensational form since the start of the 2023-24 season. He was excellent for Atalanta last season and scored a hat-trick in the UEFA Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen to lift the trophy.

Lookman has continued his form this season as well, scoring eight goals and providing five assists in 14 games across competitions. He recently scored a brace in a crucial match against Napoli.

For Nigeria, Lookman has scored eight goals and provided four assists in 26 games so far. While they boast of tremendous attacking talent with the likes of Boniface and Victor Osimhen, Lookman is the player in form and will be one to watch during the international break.

Benin vs Nigeria Prediction

While Nigeria are quite comfortable at the top of the Group D standings, they will be keen to not take anything for granted. A win or a draw could secure their place in the next round and then they can experiment in the final group game.

Nigeria are ranked 36^th in the FIFA World Rankings. Benin, meanwhile, are ranked 95^th. They had a run of eight games without a win but have turned it around recently with four wins in their last six games, having lost the other two.

Benin lost 3-0 against Nigeria, beat Libya 2-1 and Rwanda 3-0 before losing 2-1 against Rwanda in the AFCON Qualifiers so far. While they have shown quality and fight, Nigeria should be able to secure a win here.

Predicted Score: Benn 1-3 Nigeria

Where to watch Benin vs Nigeria Live?

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