Check the Benin national football team vs Nigeria national football team stats, featuring head-to-head records, results, lineups, key players, memorable matches, and recent form analysis in this detailed breakdown.
The rivalry between the Benin national football team and the Nigeria national football team is a reflection of their competitive nature in West African football. Although Nigeria has historically been the dominant force, Benin’s growing football prowess makes their matchups highly anticipated. This editorial will explore the stats between these two teams, focusing on recent encounters, player performance, and key statistics. We will delve into their recent matches, including the AFCON 2025 qualification match in September 2024 and the 2026 World Cup qualification match earlier in June 2024.
Historical Overview of Benin vs Nigeria Football Rivalry
The Benin national football team, also known as “The Squirrels,” has always been considered an underdog when compared to Nigeria’s “Super Eagles.” Nigeria, a three-time African Cup of Nations (AFCON) champion, has a rich football history, boasting participation in numerous World Cup tournaments and a track record of success across the African continent. Benin, on the other hand, has been steadily improving, qualifying for several AFCON tournaments in recent years and nurturing a new generation of talented players.
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While Nigeria has more victories in the head-to-head record, Benin has occasionally caused upsets, making their encounters unpredictable. The teams have faced each other in numerous competitions, including the AFCON, World Cup qualifiers, and regional tournaments like the West African Football Union (WAFU) Cup.
Benin vs Nigeria: Recent Matches
AFCON 2025 Qualification Match (September 7th, 2024) – Nigeria 3-0 Benin
On September 7th, 2024, Nigeria and Benin faced off in an AFCON 2025 qualification match. Nigeria dominated the game, securing a 3-0 victory over Benin in a clinical performance. Nigeria’s frontline was in top form, with their attack overwhelming Benin’s defense from the start.
- Goalscorers: Nigeria’s goals came from Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman. Ademola Lookman’s opening goal in the 45+2 minute and ended it at 83rd minute set the tone for the game, while Victor Osimhen scored at 78th minute.
- Key Stats:
- Possession: Nigeria 57%, Benin 43%
- Shots on Target: Nigeria 5, Benin 3
- Corners: Nigeria 7, Benin 2
This match showcased Nigeria’s superiority in both defense and attack. Benin struggled to create scoring opportunities and often found themselves defending deep in their half. Despite the loss, Benin’s coach praised the team’s effort and acknowledged that Nigeria’s experience and quality were difficult to overcome.
2026 World Cup Qualification Match (June 10th, 2024) – Benin 2-1 Nigeria
In a surprising twist, Benin stunned Nigeria in a 2026 World Cup qualification match on June 10th, 2024, with a 2-1 victory. This match demonstrated that Benin could challenge the heavyweights of African football on their day.
- Goalscorers: Benin’s goals came from Steve Mounié and Jodel Dossou. Mounié’s header in the 45+3 minute gave Benin the lead, and Dossou doubled the advantage in the 35th minute. Nigeria pulled one back from Raphael Onyedika assisted by Samuel Chukwueze in the 27th minute, but it was not enough to prevent defeat.
- Key Stats:
- Possession: Nigeria 60%, Benin 40%
- Shots on Target: Nigeria 5, Benin 4
- Corners: Nigeria 8, Benin 2
This win was a significant morale boost for Benin, as they had rarely managed to defeat Nigeria in competitive matches. Benin’s defense remained solid throughout the game, and their counter-attacking style proved effective against Nigeria’s high-pressing game.
AFCON 2021 Qualifier (November 13, 2019)
One of the most memorable recent encounters between Benin and Nigeria took place during the AFCON 2021 qualifiers. Nigeria secured a 2-1 victory over Benin, but the match showcased Benin’s resilience and ability to challenge stronger teams. Stephane Sessegnon scored the opening goal for Benin, but Nigeria came back strongly, with goals from Victor Osimhen and Samuel Kalu sealing the win for the Super Eagles.
AFCON 2010 Qualifier (March 30, 2008)
In another significant clash, Nigeria defeated Benin 2-0 during the AFCON 2010 qualifiers. Nigeria’s attacking prowess was on full display, with goals from Yakubu Aiyegbeni and Obafemi Martins. This match highlighted Nigeria’s tactical superiority and squad depth compared to Benin at the time.
AFCON 2004 Group Stage (January 31, 2004)
Benin and Nigeria faced off in the AFCON 2004 group stage, where Nigeria cruised to a 2-1 victory. Benin showed flashes of potential but couldn’t contain Nigeria’s attacking firepower, led by Nwankwo Kanu and Jay-Jay Okocha. This match was one of Benin’s early experiences at a major tournament and helped lay the foundation for their future progress in African football.
Key Player Stats: Benin vs Nigeria
Both teams feature talented players who have been instrumental in shaping the outcomes of these matches.
- Nigeria:
- Victor Osimhen – One of the most prolific strikers in Africa, Victor Osimhen has been Nigeria’s main goal threat. His pace, physicality, and finishing skills have made him a standout performer, as evidenced by his goals in recent fixtures.
- Ademola Lookman – A dynamic winger, Ademola Lookman is known for his dribbling ability and creativity. He consistently troubles defenders and plays a key role in Nigeria’s attack.
- Victor Boniface – Anchoring the frontline, Victor Boniface‘s striking abilities provide stability for Nigeria. He is crucial in breaking up opposition deffence and controlling the pace of the game.
- Benin:
- Steve Mounié – The towering striker is Benin’s primary attacking outlet. His aerial prowess and ability to hold up the ball make him a constant threat, particularly from set pieces.
- Jodel Dossou – A pacy winger, Dossou has been vital in Benin’s counter-attacks. His goal in the 2026 World Cup qualification match was a testament to his clinical finishing.
- Khaled Adenon – A seasoned defender, Adenon is the leader of Benin’s backline. His experience and leadership are crucial, especially in high-pressure matches.
Comparing Team Stats: Benin vs Nigeria
- Head-to-Head Record:
- Total Matches Played: 8
- Nigeria Wins: 6
- Benin Wins: 2
- Draws: 0
While Nigeria clearly has the upper hand in the head-to-head statistics, Benin’s recent victory in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers shows that they are capable of competing at the highest level.
Tactics and Formations
- Nigeria typically plays a 4-3-3 formation, focusing on attacking play through their talented forwards. Their wingers, such as Chukwueze, stretch the play, while Osimhen operates as the main striker. Nigeria’s midfield is usually controlled by Ndidi, providing balance between defense and attack.
- Benin often adopts a more defensive 4-2-3-1 formation, prioritizing a compact defense and quick counter-attacks. Mounié serves as the target man, with support from wingers like Dossou. Benin’s midfield is key in breaking up opposition play and transitioning quickly into attack.
Conclusion
The Benin vs Nigeria football rivalry continues to be an exciting fixture in African football. Nigeria, with its wealth of talent and history, often goes into these matches as favorites, but Benin has shown that they are more than capable of challenging their more illustrious neighbors. The recent matches in 2024—Nigeria’s 3-0 victory in the AFCON qualifiers and Benin’s 2-1 win in the World Cup qualifiers—are perfect examples of the unpredictable nature of this fixture.
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FAQs
1. How many times have Benin and Nigeria played against each other?
Benin and Nigeria have played 8 matches, with Nigeria winning 6, Benin winning 2, and 0 draws.
2. What was the result of the recent AFCON 2025 qualifier between Benin and Nigeria?
Nigeria won 3-0 against Benin on September 7th, 2024, in the AFCON 2025 qualification match.
3. Who scored in the AFCON 2025 qualification match between Benin and Nigeria?
Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman (2) scored for Nigeria in their 3-0 victory.
4. What was the result of the 2026 World Cup qualification match between Benin and Nigeria?
Benin won 2-1 against Nigeria on June 10th, 2024, in the 2026 World Cup qualification match.
5. Who were the goalscorers in the 2026 World Cup qualification match?
Steve Mounié and Jodel Dossou scored for Benin, while Raphael Onyeika scored for Nigeria.
6. Who are the key players for Nigeria?
Key players for Nigeria include Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and Victor Boniface.
7. Who are the key players for Benin?
Key players for Benin include Steve Mounié, Jodel Dossou, and Khaled Adenon.
8. What formations do Benin and Nigeria typically use?
Nigeria often plays in a 4-3-3 formation, while Benin typically uses a 4-2-3-1 formation.
9. How many goals has Nigeria scored against Benin in their encounters?
Nigeria has scored 34 goals against Benin in their encounters.
10. How many times has Benin kept a clean sheet against Nigeria?
Benin has kept 1 clean sheets against Nigeria.
