……As Afcon qualifying kicks off.
Emmanuel lkpeama
Nigeria Super Eagles under caretaker coach Augustine Eguavoen will be guided when they seek revenge against neighbours Benin as 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying kicks off on Wednesday.
Eguavoen was a late replacement after German Bruno Labbadia reportedly changed his mind about taking charge because the Nigeria Football Federation declined to foot his tax bill.
The team under Coach Eguavoen has lined up to confront compatriot Gernot Rohr, who masterminded a 2-1 victory by Benin over Nigeria three months ago in a 2026 World Cup qualifier.
It will be recalled that in the last encounter,Jodel Dossou and Steve Mounie scored for the Benin Cheetahs as they came from behind to stun opponents 52 places higher in the world rankings.
Victory was particularly sweet for 71-year-old Rohr as he spent five years in charge of Nigeria before being sacked amid mounting public pressure related to disappointing results.
Investigator news reports that losing to Benin triggered the departure of former star Finidi George after just four matches as the Super Eagles coach.
Nigeria were runners-up to host Ivory Coast in the 2024 Cup of Nations final and are blessed with abundant attacking talent.u
Investigator news gathered that reigning African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen, Victor Boniface and Ademola Lookman are some of the stars Eguavoen can choose for the Group D showdown in southeastern city Uyo.
