The Super Eagles are one point clear of Benin at the top of Group L but neither side are secure in qualification, with Sierra Leone and Lesotho not too far behind.
Benin go into this game in more danger of failing to qualify for next year’s tournament, which would be their second in a row, four points clear of Sierra Leone with two games left to play. Although that may look to be a comfortable distance to some, after playing group leaders Nigeria, Benin then face Sierra Leone and know the pressure would be on. However, it is also very straight forward for Benin in that, they can secure their spot at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations with a win over Nigeria (or Sierra Leone), or even just by staying undefeated across the two games.
Like Benin, Nigeria only need to remain unbeaten in their final two group games to qualify for what would be a 19th Africa Cup of Nations. Gernot Rohr’s side remain unbeaten in their opening four games, beating Benin and Lesotho with two draws against Sierra Leone, including a 4-4 thriller at home in November which did see them lose a four-goal lead. But that 4-4 draw with Sierra Leone means Nigeria do need at least two points from their two games. If they were to finish level on points with Sierra Leone, which is still a possibility, then Nigeria would fall below due to away goals scored.
Benin vs Nigeria Head-to-Head
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This will be the 15th meeting between the sides and, as expected, Nigeria have the better record with 12 wins and one draw to their name.
Benin’s sole victory came in August 2017, when a qualification game for the African Nations Championship ended in a 1-0 victory for the Squirrels.
Their most recent meeting came in November 2019 on matchday one of this qualification series. Goals in each half by Victor Osimhen and Samuel Kalu helped Nigeria to a 2-1 victory after Stephane Sessegnon had given Benin a shock lead.
–Benin form guide: D-W-W-W-L
–Nigeria form guide: D-D-D-L-W
Team News
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Benin
Head coach Michel Dussuyer initially called up 23 players for upcoming fixtures against Nigeria and Sierra Leone.
The squad was made up exclusively of foreign-based players. However, the West African’s have since been rocked by travel restrictions preventing their players from honoring the invitation.
As many as 10 players, including defender Olivier Verdon and striker Rudy Gestede, were unable to travel to Benin.
Dussuyer admitted that he was struggling to find alternative replacements and will have to push ahead without several of his key players for the visit of Nigeria.
Nigeria
Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr was also affected by travel bans for some of his key players. Leganes refused to grant permission for defender Kenneth Omeruo to travel. His spot on the team was taken by Abia Warriors defender Adeleke Adekunle.
The in-form Paul Onuachu had initially been placed on the reserve list, much to the chagrin of fans back home. But the Genk striker was included in the main list to replace Moses Simon, whose club (Nantes) did not release him. Henry Onyekuru was called up in place of the injured Samuel Kalu.
Rohr’s final list is headlined by the likes of Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Kelechi Iheanacho and Joe Aribo.
Injury: Samuel Kalu
Suspension: None