AFCON Qualifier: Super Eagles seek another shot at redemption against Benin

Nigeria faces Benin in a crucial AFCON qualifier amid waning public interest, managerial uncertainty, and pressure to restore the Super Eagles' glory.

The Super Eagles have another shot at redemption at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on Saturday when they take on the Squirrels of Benin in a AFCON Qualifier. (Photo credit: Pulse NG)

It's 2 p.m. on the streets of Lagos; commuters and hustlers, rushing through the streets for their daily sustenance, are unfazed by the scorching sun. Unlike many years ago, there's no buzz about an impending national team football match; things have changed.

Beyond the economic crisis in the West African nation of Nigeria, the football story hasn’t been inspiring for years as the downward spiral has finally caught up with the heartstrings of the soccer-loving citizens; not many care anymore, and once again, things are not the same.

Regardless of the size of the fixture, the eve of any game involving the national team typically pitches people in twos and threes across cities in the country, offering armchair opinions and driving tactical narratives, posturing on probably starting elevens and predicting potential score lines; none of that was evident on Friday anywhere in Lagos, a day before Nigeria takes on Benin Republic.

The Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, Nigeria's new football home, will host the 2026 AFCON Qualifier. The Super Eagles, who have been underwhelming in recent years, need to win this game to regain some respect.

The 2024 AFCON in Ivory Coast flattered too many Nigerians. Led by the now-departed Jose Peseiro, the Super Eagles wobbled to the final on defensive solidity and could have won the title, which would once again paper over cracks, but are they indeed as excellent as results showed at the last AFCON?

Benin Republic beat the Super Eagles 2-1 in a World Cup Qualifier on the 10^th of June, an embarrassing showing away from home, and, notably against the former head coach of the Super Eagles, Gernot Rohr, he will hope to do it again on Saturday at a stadium he used to coach at.

The Super Eagles are facing another dilemma in the dugout: following the departure of George Finidi, who only managed one win in four games as interim and permanent head coach, the NFF reportedly hired German tactician Bruno Labbadia, but there has been no word on the deal.

According to the news, the German has torn his contract papers and will not be coaching the Super Eagles. As always, Austin Eguavoen has been saddled with the responsibility of leading the Super Eagles to prosecute this game, and if he wins as expected, will he be the substantive manager?

It’s a cycle, one which you can predict and won’t be wrong. It’s not beyond the practice of the Super Eagles to fumble in this fixture, but, with the array of stars available to them, beating Benin on home soil shouldn’t be too much to ask for fans who have had to deal with too much in recent months.

In this case, who are the players to watch for the Super Eagles? The issue of Victor Osimhen remains unresolved; he hasn't expressed regret for his insubordination against Finidi, and his selection for this fixture shows no remorse. Aren’t we setting a negative precedent?

Ademola Lookman is one to watch; Fisayo Dele Bashiru is another. There's stability in the goalkeeping department, with Stanley Nwabali now the first choice. We'll see who the old boy in the dugout trusts for the defense department, but this is one game the Super Eagles must win to restore national pride.