Nigeria Leagues
Afcon 2025 Qualifiers: Troost-Ekong anticipates difficult Benin Republic test in Abidjan
By: Wale Mustapha
Nigeria captain, William Troost-Ekong, has expressed confidence but also cautioned that their upcoming encounter with Benin Republic in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers will be a challenging one.
The match, scheduled for Thursday at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny in Abidjan, will be crucial for the Super Eagles, who need only to avoid defeat to secure their place in the AFCON tournament, which will take place in Morocco in 2025.
Troost-Ekong pointed to the historical significance of the venue, noting that it is a familiar ground for the Nigerian team, where they have experienced positive results in the past, including their AFCON successes.
However, he acknowledged the difficult nature of the task ahead, especially considering Benin Republic’s current push for a spot in the finals.
“It’s a stadium we are familiar with, and we have good memories from previous AFCON campaigns,” Troost-Ekong said in a statement on nff.com.
“We will focus on the positive results we have had here and work hard to replicate that on Thursday.”
The Super Eagles captain is aware that Benin Republic, under coach Gernot Rohr, will be equally motivated as they are also vying for a place in the AFCON finals.
Despite this, Troost-Ekong emphasized that Nigeria’s objective is clear: to secure all three points.
“It’s not going to be easy because the Beninese are also chasing a ticket to the final tournament,” Troost-Ekong continued. “However, our objective is clear: three points on the night.”
The Super Eagles will be hoping to bounce back after a disappointing defeat to the Cheetahs in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers at the same venue.
However, with their eyes firmly set on securing qualification, Troost-Ekong has urged his teammates to give their all in the critical encounter.
