Super Eagles captain, William Troost-Ekong says the team can expect a difficult duel against the Cheetahs of Benin Republic.
The Super Eagles will be up against their neighbours in a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matchday five encounter at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium, Abidjan on Thursday (today).
Benin Republic claimed a famous 2-1 victory over the Super Eagles the last time both teams met at the ground.
Troost-Ekong is anticipating another tough battle this time around.
“We won at home the last game we played against Benin, we know Benin is a good team. Gernot Rohr used to be my coach with the national team previously for over six years.
“Like the coach said, he knows the team very well,” Troost-Ekong told a pre press conference ahead of the game.
“I’ve played against Benin several times, it has always been a difficult game but I think here, especially in this stadium, where we have some amazing memories from earlier this year, we’ll be very ready.”
Despite the defeat to the Cheetahs the last time out in Abidjan, the Super Eagles have good memories of the ground.
The West Africans won their two games at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium during the AFCON 2025 finals.
Troost-Ekong is also hoping the Ivorians will give their support to the Super Eagles.
“All the conditions are here for us. We feel at home in Abidjan and I’m confident that we can do the job and qualify by winning tomorrow (today), and that’s what we are going to have to do,” he added.
“We all know it’s going to be a difficult game so we have to bring our best. From what I’ve seen so far in training and the spirit in the camp, we look very ready for the game tomorrow.
“The stadium gives us confidence, we felt at home here. The Ivorian fans probably will be on our side because we made it very difficult for them but in the end, they went away happy.
“Hopefully, we’ll have that same support again and the conditions are perfect for us. We’ve been training well, and we are looking forward to the game.”
The game will kick-off at 8pm Nigeria time.
AFCON 2026Q: Benin Republic will be difficult, Super Eagles will conquer – Troost-Ekong