With only a win in their last five matches, the Super Eagles today have their backs against the wall when they welcome Benin to Uyo in an opening 2025 AFCON qualifier.
In March, with the euphoria of reaching the 2023 AFCON final still in the air, the Super Eagles beat perennial rivals Black Stars of Ghana 2-1 in a friendly in Morocco.
It was a scant consolation for Nigerian fans after Ghana stopped us from the 2022 World Cup in Qatar two years ago in Abuja.
However, the Eagles of Mali flew past their Nigerian namesakes 2-0 in a second friendly in Morocco.
In June, the Super Eagles had to force a 1-1 draw with South Africa in a 2026 World Cup, before a shock 2-1 loss to Benin in Abidjan to put Nigeria’s World Cup qualification in complete jeopardy.
Today, the Super Eagles get an immediate opportunity to avenge the loss to Benin and get their 2025 AFCON qualifying campaign off on a winning note.
Most of the call-ups reported to training camp in Uyo by Tuesday, while the training games have been of very high level as the players fight for first-team places.
“The level has been very high, the boys are fighting. I am impressed,” former Super Eagles striker Victor Ikpeba.
“Now they have to show this when it matters the most.”
Caretaker coach Augustine Eguavoen has been clear the target is to win the maximum three points at stake today.
He will play with a back four and the traditional wingers to open the defence of the Cheetahs from Benin, who will be happy to sit back and play on the counter.
The pressure is certainly on his team going by a run of poor results and that they are playing at home.
The Super Eagles will create chances today against a mean Benin defence, it will be for them to put them away and win.
