2025 AFCON Qualifiers: Time and where to watch Nigeria vs Benin Republic

By Monsurah Olatunji

The Nigeria men’s national team is set to launch its 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign with an encounter against Benin.

The match marks the beginning of a crucial journey towards securing a spot in the tournament, which is now scheduled to commence in December 2025 in Morocco.

The Super Eagles will be under the interim management of Augustine Eguavoen, following the resignation of Finidi George. The two teams have become quite familiar recently, with Nigeria suffering a 2-1 defeat to Benin in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying round held in Abidjan.

In their last five matches across all competitions, Nigeria has experienced a decline, losing three. On the other hand, while Benin has only won two games since March 2022, they managed to secure a victory over Nigeria three months ago.

The upcoming match will be the 18th meeting between Nigeria and Benin. Historically, Nigeria has dominated the fixture, winning 13 of the previous 17 encounters, with only two losses to Benin.

The AFCON 2025 qualification match is scheduled for September 7, 2024, at 5 p.m. Nigerian time. The game will take place at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo and will be broadcast on DSTV’s Supersport and Afro Sport.

CAF has appointed Egyptian official Amin Mohamed Omar as the referee for this fixture. Omar, a FIFA referee since 2017, will be supported by fellow Egyptians Mahmoud Abouelregal (Assistant Referee 1), Ahmad Hossam Taha (Assistant Referee 2), and Ahmed ElGhandour (Fourth Official).