National Teams
AFCON 2025 Qualifier: Benin Republic captain confident of victory against Nigeria
By Wale Mustapha
Steve Mounie, captain of the Benin Republic national team, has expressed strong confidence in his side’s ability to secure a positive result against Nigeria in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier.
The Cheetahs will face the Super Eagles at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Saturday, with kickoff scheduled for 5 p.m. Nigerian time.
Mounie, who was instrumental in Benin’s 2-1 victory over Nigeria in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers last June, is optimistic about his team’s chances. He emphasized the importance of team spirit and determination for the upcoming match.
“With the spirit we have in the team now, we don’t give up. We will try to fight together on the pitch, and that will be important tomorrow,” Mounie stated during a press conference in Uyo on Friday.
The experienced striker downplayed individual accolades, focusing instead on the collective goal. “It doesn’t matter who scores or makes the assist; the most important thing tomorrow is to get a result,” he added.
Mounie’s confidence and focus highlight Benin Republic’s determination to build on their previous success against Nigeria and make a strong statement in the AFCON qualifiers.
