SM
Man Utd vs. Chelsea: 18 hrs 47 mins
Upcoming predictions and previews
Collect News Data
BN
World Cup Qualifying - Africa | Group Stage
Jun 10, 2024 at 5pm UK
Stade de l'Amitie
NN

Benin
2 - 1
Nigeria

Dossou (37'), Mounie (45+3')
FT(HT: 2-1)
Onyedika (27')
Ismail (90+3')

Preview: Benin vs. Nigeria - prediction, team news, lineups

:Headline: Preview: Benin vs. Nigeria - prediction, team news, lineups:
Sports Mole previews Monday's World Cup Qualifying - Africa clash between Benin and Nigeria, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.
Sports Mole

West African neighbours Benin and Nigeria battle in Monday's World Cup qualifying match at Stade Felix-Houphouet-Boigny.

The Cheetahs' win over Rwanda last time out and the Super Eagles' inability to secure three points so far means Group C is one of the stiffest, with every side from first to sixth still in with a chance of qualification after three rounds.


Match preview

Gernot Rohr could inflict even more misery on his old side when his current one host the three-time African champions on Monday.

While Monday's game takes place in Abidjan, Rohr hopes his side give everything to build on the recent 1-0 triumph over Rwanda that elevated them to third in the standings, one ahead of the Super Eagles.

The upshot of Benin's win leaves them level with the side they defeated and one behind table-topping Lesotho, who got the better of bottom Zimbabwe in round three, meaning first and bottom in Group C are separated by three points.

Rohr's side are one of four nations to have won a game apiece in the section, underlining how competitive it has been after three matches, with no one likely to run away with first place.

Having played a day earlier than Nigeria, the Cheetahs hope to be beneficiaries of the extra day's rest, keen to end the Super Eagles' undefeated start to qualifying.

It sure does not feel that way for Finidi George's men, who have played 1-1 draws in qualifying against Lesotho, Zimbabwe and South Africa.

Friday's tie with Bafana Bafana was particularly frustrating for supporters, who felt they were denied a stonewall penalty for a foul on Fisayo Dele-Bashiru minutes after the midfielder's brilliant equaliser.

The Hatayspor man had levelled early after the break to cancel Themba Zwane's strike for Hugo Broos's men on the half-hour, preventing the home side from leaving Uyo with their tails between their legs.

Despite their far-from-ideal start, George's men can put their three consecutive draws behind them by defeating Benin in Abidjan, potentially taking the Super Eagles top of the group if South Africa are unsuccessful against Zimbabwe and Lesotho and Rwanda play out a stalemate.

Having missed out on qualification to the last World Cup finals, Nigeria must get their act together and avoid being absent in consecutive editions for the first time since their maiden appearance in 1994.

Benin World Cup Qualifying - Africa form:


Benin form (all competitions):


Nigeria World Cup Qualifying - Africa form:


Nigeria form (all competitions):



Team News

Dokou Dodo was the match-winner against Rwanda, and the midfield man should retain his place for Monday's match.

Benin's main threat remains Steve Mounie, and the centre-forward should lead the attack with Junior Olaitan and Jodel Dossou flanking the striker.

Rohr's men suffered no seeming injuries last time out, thus pointing to a similar lineup against their West African neighbours.

Nigeria were not quite fortunate, with the admirable Dele-Bashiru replaced moments after he was clumsily brought down in the penalty area and George conforming Semi Ajayi was withdrawn with a knock.

The Super Eagles boss was criticised for leaving out Bundesliga champion Victor Boniface, with the Bayer Leverkusen man not getting match action in Friday's draw. However, Terem Moffi could start on Monday ahead of the Leverkusen forward.

Atalanta's Europa League hero Ademola Lookman fired blanks against South Africa, as the forward's attempts either went awry or were blocked, but he could be the difference-maker against Benin.

Alex Iwobi was one of Nigeria's top performers against the South Africans, and the Fulham man should keep his midfield spot alongside Wilfred Ndidi.


Benin possible starting lineup:
Dandjinou; Moumini, Hountondji, Tijani, Kiki; Dodo, D'Almeida, Imourane; Dossou, Mounie, Olaitan

Nigeria possible starting lineup:
Nwabali; Tanimu, Awaziem, Bassey, Osayi-Samuel; Iheanacho, Yusuf, Ndidi, Iwobi; Moffi, Lookman


We say: Benin 0-1 Nigeria

After three consecutive draws, Nigeria are running out of lifelines in their ambition to make the 2026 World Cup finals. George will hope his players are decisive enough at La Felicia on Monday, keen to secure maximum points after a frustrating start in Group C.

The Super Eagles undoubtedly have superior quality than their opponents but must execute optimally to notch their first victory at the fourth time of asking.



For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.


body check tags ::

Previews by email

Click here to get Sports Mole's daily email of previews and predictions for every major game!


amp_article__545483 : Collect and Make Data not in DataBase  : 
last updated article - 2024-06-08 17:16:53:
html db last update - 2024-06-08 17:16:53 :

ex - 7200 : read : write cache and make html
Read more!
Share this article now:


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
AL
Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!
Recommended Next on SM
Tuesday's international friendly predictions including Spain vs. Brazil
Pain for Guardiola! Champions Man City shocked by Bournemouth at Vitality Stadium
The Porto plan: Real Madrid goalkeeper to be part of £67m swap?
Preview: Rwanda vs. Benin - prediction, team news, lineups
Premier League Table
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool108111961325
2Manchester CityMan City1072121111023
3Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest10541147719
4Arsenal105321711618
5Aston Villa95311611518
6Chelsea95221911817
7Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton104421714316
8Bournemouth104331312115
9Newcastle UnitedNewcastle104331010015
10Tottenham HotspurSpurs94141810813
11Brentford94141818013
12Fulham93331212012
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd9324811-311
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham103251319-611
15Leicester CityLeicester102441418-410
16Everton102351017-79
17Crystal Palace10145813-57
18Ipswich TownIpswich100551021-115
19Southampton10118719-124
20Wolverhampton WanderersWolves100371427-133
Scroll for more - Tap for full version


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
AL
Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

history www

Erling Haaland's record vs. Bournemouth

1

EH

Team News: Man Utd vs. Chelsea injury, suspension list, predicted XIs

2

TN

Reports suggest Audi-Sauber seals Bortoleto deal

NEW

3

RS

Unique and unwanted: What streak could Son snap in Villa clash?

NEW

4

UA

Slot at the summit: Liverpool top the table with comeback Brighton win

5

SA

Bournemouth vs. Man City: Head-to-head record and past meetings

6

BV

Phil Foden's record vs. Bournemouth

7

PF

What's next for Ruud? Man United players 'make feelings clear' on Van Nistelrooy

8

WN

Down to bare bones: Double Man City injury blow confirmed after Bournemouth loss

9

DT

Alexander the great downs Arsenal - does Arteta want him at the Emirates?

10

AT


. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .