Saturday’s Afcon qualifiers: Cheetahs to spring another surprise?

Benin will look to spring another surprise against Nigeria when the teams meet in Uyo in one of three 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifying matches played across the continent on Saturday.

The Cheetahs claimed a stunning 2-1 win over the Super Eagles as recently as June in a 2026 World Cup qualifier, and will fancy their chances against a home team which remains somewhat rudderless after they failed to secure a new coach heading into this international window.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) seemingly reached an agreement for German Bruno Labbadia to become their new permanent head coach, only for the deal to fall through due to a quarrel over tax payments.

This leaves NFF technical director Augustine Eguavoen pitting his wits against former Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr, who has turned Benin into a formidable outfit and is looking forward to the Group D clash at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.

“I am used to the environment, the players and all. I am also positive that we will leave Nigeria with a result,” said the veteran German tactician.

Saturday also features Mauritania hosting Botswana in Nouakchott for a Group C clash, with Al Murabitun targeting a fourth successive appearance at the continental finals, while the Zebras are looking for a return after their tournament debut back in 2012.

Botswana have named a squad primarily featuring players from reigning league champions Jwaneng Galaxy – as well as foreign-based stars such as Thatayaone Ditlhokwe and Ronaldo Fortune, who plays in the lower tiers in the United States.

Finally, Cameroon and Namibia will lock horns in a Group J clash at Japoma Stadium in Douala.

The Brave Warriors have appeared in two of the last three Afcon tournaments and coach Collin Benjamin has shuffled his technical team by appointing video analyst Fabian Trager as assistant coach, replacing Ronnie Kanalelo, who has decided to focus on his club managerial career.

As for the Indomitable Lions, their preparation has been chaotic, with disagreements between the federation FECAFOOT and the country’s sports ministry, as well as a tenuous position for coach Marc Brys.

Nonetheless, the Central African team can still call on some serious talent, including the likes of Andre Onana, Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa, Bryan Mbuemo and Vincent Aboubakar.

AFCON QUALIFIERS FIXTURES, SATURDAY 7 SEPTEMBER

(Times CAT)

6pm: Mauritania v Botswana

6pm: Nigeria v Benin

6pm: Cameroon v Namibia