The Squirrels of Benin are plotting the downfall of star-studded Super Eagles in Porto-Novo to enhance their chances of qualifying for the AFCON, but top stars are without clubs, while others are not playing regularly at their foreign clubs.
This West African derby will be played on March 27 and Benin need all three points to stay on track for qualification for the AFCON with Sierra Leone breathing down on them.
Nigeria lead the group with eight points, Benin are second with seven points and Sierra Leone have three points.
Their final qualifier will be against Sierra Leone, which will be staged in Conakry, Guinea, after the stadium in Sierra Leone was recently banned.
Benin skipper Stephane Sessegnon, who scored against Nigeria in Benin City two years ago, and No 1 goalkeeper Fabien Farnolle are without clubs and may not be available for selection.
Le Potentiel also reported that players like Saturnin Allagbe, Yohan Roche, Mateo Ahlinvi and Youssouf Assogba may not be match fit as they have been warming the bench at their various clubs.
“This is an important match that Benin need to upset Nigeria and win at all cost,” Le Potentiel reported.
“Sierra Leone are still a serious threat and any slip by Benin will endanger qualification.”