The Super Eagles are up against the Squirrels in an African Cup of Nations (Afcon) cracker on Saturday, 27th March, 2021, at the Stade Charles De Gaulle in Porto-Novo with victory over Michel Dussuyer’s men guaranteeing Gernot Rohr’s side an Afcon 2022 place.
#1: Head-to-head
Nigeria remain the dominant side after five games between the two countries. The three-time African champions have won all matches of their previous outings, with no draw or losses. The last outing between them ended 2-1 in favour of Super Eagles, with Victor Osimhen & Samuel Kalu sealing the result at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo.
#2: Benin Republic’s solid home record
The Squirrels are unbeaten at home in their last 22 fixtures across all competitions. They won 15 of those games while the remaining five outings ended on a no winner, no vanquished note. Benin Republic’s last home defeat came against Algeria in a world cup qualification tie on June 9, 2013, with an Islam Slimani’s double inspired win by the Desert foxes leading to a 3-1 triumph in Porto-Novo.
#3: Big Difference in ranking
Nigeria are far ahead of Benin Republic taking into cognisance FIFA’s global ranking for February 2021. Gernot Rohr’s Super Eagles are ranked as the 36th best team in the world and fifth in Africa. On the other hand, Michel Dussuyer’s side occupies the 82nd and 16th spots in the world and Africa rankings respectively.
#4: Irresistible Super Eagles
The three-time African champions are yet to lose any of their last nine African cup of Nations qualification games. The last time Gernot Rohr’s side lost during qualifying was the 2-0 shock defeat to South Africa on June 10, 2017 at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo. Second half goals from Tokelo Rantie and Percy Tau decided the fixture.
#5: Red-hot ‘Seniorman’
The sizzling form of the Leicester City forward could prove pivotal in Nigeria quest to pick up maximum points in Porto-Novo. Before heading for the international assignment, the 24-year old Kelechi Iheanacho had scored seven times in four games for Brendan Rogers’ foxes. Can he silence the Squirrels?
#6: Draw Specialists
Benin Republic can be considered draw Kings as four out of their last six home fixtures have gone that way.
