Nigeria might be led by caretaker coach Augustine Eguavoen as they goal to precise revenge on neighbors Benin when the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers start Wednesday.
Eguavoen stepped in as a last-minute substitute after German coach Bruno Labbadia reportedly backed out because of the Nigeria Football Federation’s (NFF) refusal to cowl his tax bills.
Labbadia, a former Bundesliga supervisor, was set to face his fellow countryman Gernot Rohr, who guided Benin to a 2-1 win over Nigeria three months in the past in a 2026 World Cup qualifier.
Jodel Dossou and Steve Mounie scored for the Benin Cheetahs as they got here from behind to stun opponents ranked 52 locations increased on the planet.
Victory was notably candy for 71-year-old Rohr, who spent 5 years in control of Nigeria earlier than being dismissed amid mounting public stress associated to disappointing outcomes.
Losing to Benin led to the departure of former star Finidi George after simply 4 matches because the Super Eagles coach.
Nigeria have been runners-up to hosts Ivory Coast within the 2024 Cup of Nations closing and boast plentiful attacking expertise.
Reigning African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen, Victor Boniface and Ademola Lookman are among the many stars Eguavoen can select for the Group D showdown within the southeastern metropolis of Uyo.
Cameroon vs. Namibia
Ongoing disagreements between the Cameroon sports activities ministry and the Samuel Eto’o-led nationwide soccer federation have created confusion over the place the Group J match might be staged.
Originally slated for Atlantic port Douala, the ministry moved the fixture to the capital, Yaounde, just for Eto’o to insist it’s performed in Garoua.
When the ministry selected Belgian Marc Brys as coach this 12 months with out involving Eto’o, it triggered a breakdown in relations between the federal government and soccer officers.
Egypt vs. Cape Verde
Record seven-time Cup of Nations winners Egypt flopped on the 2024 match, dropping a last-16 penalty shootout to the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The match was an enormous private disappointment for Liverpool star and nationwide staff captain Mohamed Salah, whose group-stage damage compelled an unexpectedly early return to England.
Egypt might be cautious of Cape Verde in Group C regardless of having fun with residence benefit after the island nation snatched a 99th-minute group draw on the Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast this 12 months.
Ivory Coast vs. Zambia
Sebastien Haller, the Ivory Coast match-winner within the 2024 Cup of Nations closing towards Nigeria, has been dominated out as he’s finalizing a switch from Borussia Dortmund to Leganes.
“It will be a difficult match for us, but we know Zambia, having played them in the last Cup of Nations qualifying competition,” stated coach Emerse Fae, referring to a house win and an away loss.
Zambia, qualifiers for the final Cup of Nations after lacking the earlier three, should do with out injured ahead Patson Daka for the Group G opener.
Morocco vs. Gabon
Soufiane Rahimi, who scored in six consecutive matches for bronze medalists Morocco on the 2024 Paris Olympics to set a Games report, is among the many ahead choices for coach Walid Regragui.
After changing into the primary World Cup semifinalists from Africa in Qatar two years in the past, Morocco crashed out of the Cup of Nations this 12 months following a last-16 loss to South Africa.
The Atlas Lions qualify mechanically for the 2025 finals as hosts however selected to compete in Group B to realize aggressive match follow.
South Africa vs. Uganda
South Africa, who exceeded expectations by ending third on the 2024 Cup of Nations, will lack injured captain and star goalkeeper Ronwen Williams for the Group Ok match in Soweto.
Forward Percy Tau is one other absentee amid hypothesis he might go away African champions Al Ahly of Egypt to hitch Wydad Casablanca of Morocco, whose new coach is South African Rulani Mokwena.
Uganda is prone to be well-briefed as their former goalkeeper, Denis Onyango, has been primarily based in South Africa since 2006 and nonetheless performs sometimes for Pretoria outfit Mamelodi Sundowns.
Source: www.dailysabah.com