
The Super Eagles of Nigeria have been drawn alongside the Benin Republic Cheetahs in Group D for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, which will be held in Morocco. This draw offers Nigeria a chance for redemption after a surprising 2-1 defeat to Benin in a recent World Cup qualifier held in Abidjan.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) conducted the draw yesterday in South Africa, placing Nigeria, a three-time African champion, in Pot 1. Group D also includes Libya and Rwanda, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the AFCON finals scheduled for December 2025.
The Super Eagles will encounter familiar adversaries, as they are also set to face Benin and Rwanda in Group C of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Benin and Rwanda currently top the World Cup qualifying group with seven points each, having won two and drawn one of their first four matches. Nigeria, on the other hand, has had a slower start with three draws and one loss, trailing the leaders by four points.
Nigeria’s only defeat in the World Cup campaign came from a 2-1 comeback by Benin, marking the Cheetahs’ first-ever senior win over Nigeria in 15 encounters. This history sets the stage for a highly anticipated rematch in the AFCON qualifiers, where the Super Eagles will look to assert their dominance and secure their place in the tournament.