The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has announced key details regarding the upcoming final two Group D matches for the senior men’s national football team, the Super Eagles, in the qualification series for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The matches are slated for November 14 and 18, with the Super Eagles facing off against the Benin Republic and Rwanda respectively. This announcement confirms the importance of these matches in securing Nigeria’s place in the upcoming AFCON tournament, which is set to be held in Morocco in late 2025 and early 2026.
The first match will take place on November 14, with the Super Eagles traveling to Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, to challenge the Benin Republic. This fixture, part of Matchday 5, is set to kick off at 8 PM Nigerian time, at the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny. The officiating personnel for this game includes a refereeing crew from Senegal, led by center referee Issa Sy, with assistants Djibril Camara and Nouha Bangoura. The presence of a well-qualified officiating crew is critical in maintaining the competitive integrity of the match and ensuring a level playing field for both teams.
Following the game against Benin, the Super Eagles will play their final qualifier against Rwanda on November 18 at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, Nigeria. This match is scheduled to kick off at 5 PM Nigerian time, with Moroccan referee Samir Guezzaz officiating, supported by assistants Zakaria Brinsi and Abdessamad Abertoune. The choice of referees from different African nations showcases the diverse football officiating talent within the continent and reflects the organizational structure of CAF in managing international fixtures.
As it stands, the Super Eagles are leading Group D with 10 points accumulated from four matches, holding a comfortable four-point lead over the second-placed Benin Republic. With Rwanda behind at five points and Libya languishing at the bottom with just one point and no realistic chance of qualification, the Super Eagles are well-positioned to advance. A victory or even a draw against Benin would guarantee Nigeria a spot in the finals, highlighting the importance of these upcoming matches as they not only determine qualification but also boost team morale and momentum heading into the continental tournament.
However, it is essential to note that the Super Eagles’ recent history is tinged with controversy, particularly regarding their last qualifier against Libya, which they boycotted due to inadequate treatment and safety concerns. The incident where the players were diverted to a different city, and subsequently held for nearly 20 hours without basic necessities at the Al-Abraq airport, left a significant impact on the players and the management. This situation underscores the need for improved logistics and better treatment of national teams during international engagements to ensure the players’ well-being and focus on performance.
The upcoming matches not only hold critical significance for Nigeria’s quest for qualification but also serve as a platform to rectify past grievances and restore faith in the management processes of international fixtures. Success in these qualifiers would not only affirm Nigeria’s footballing prowess but also rejuvenate the spirits of fans and stakeholders ahead of the prestigious Africa Cup of Nations. With a strong showing, the Super Eagles can continue to build on their historical successes and aim for their fourth continental title in Morocco.
