Three-time African champions, Super Eagles of Nigeria will be hoping to qualify the African Cup of Nations slated for Cameroon as they go for the broke against the Squirrels of Republic of Benin, therefore, making their last game against Lesotho in Lagos a mere formality. The Super Eagles will be craving to book their place in the Africa Cup of Nations for the 19th time as they confront the Squirrels of Benin who are equally battling to qualify for the biennial showpiece.
Nigeria top Group L having amassed eight points, while Republic of Benin is second on the table with seven points and a victory for any of the countries would ensure qualification for the Cameroon party. While Iheanacho has scored nine goals in his last nine games, Onuacho currently tops the goals chart in the Belgian league and has scored 27 goals in all competitions. Meanwhile, Nigeria national team coach Gernot Rohr believes the Republic of Benin will be a hard nut to crack, given their recent performances.
Their home form has also been spectacular, given they have not lost in eight years, having last tasted defeat on home soil against Algeria in and Rohr has warned his side to be battle-ready for the encounter. They eliminated Morocco. The provision of a private plane has been part of the conditions given by the French government before players in the top two leagues could be allowed to leave for international duty.
The rule prevented Nantes forward Moses Simon from honouring the Super Eagles invitation and Genk forward Paul Onuachu was drafted in as his replacement. This was the condition to get the French players. This will be the only chance for Nigeria to play together before the next international break in June when they open their Qatar campaign. They are drawn against Cape Verde, Liberia and Central African Republic with only the overall winners advancing to a final playoff to be played on a knockout basis in November.
The Super Eagles have been relatively unaffected by travel restrictions caused by the Coronavirus pandemic and are able to call on their top players like Victor Osimhen from Napoli, Leicester City pair Kelechi Iheanacho and Wilfred Ndidi and Samuel Chukwueze of Villarreal. The Chelsea academy product has been one of the key players in a Fulham side battling to beat the drop, starting all but one of their last 27 matches in the English Premier League.
