Super Eagles vice-captain William Troost-Ekong has admitted that it will be a tough clash against the Cheetahs of Benin Republic in their Matchday 5 AFCON 2025 qualifier.
The Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny in Abidjan is not unfamiliar to the Super Eagles having suffered a 2-1 loss to Benin Republic in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying game in June.
Ekong while speaking ahead of the game said the team will focus on the positive results not what happened in June.
“The stadium is a familiar one for us, and we have good memories from the AFCON. We will rather focus on the positive results we have taken away from here and work hard for another good day in the office on Thursday.
“It is not going to be easy because the Beninoise are also chasing a ticket to the final tournament. However, our objective is clear: three points on the night.”
CAF has chosen Senegalese official Issa Sy to officiate the match.
Sy was in charge when the Super Eagles defeated Angola 1-0 at the same location in a quarterfinal match of the Africa Cup of Nations finals.
Compatriots El Hadji Amadou Sy (fourth official), Nouha Bangoura (assistant 2), and Djibril Camara (assistant 1) will support him.
The commissioner will be Ivorian René Williams Sere, while the referee assessor will be Angolan Inacio Manuel Candido.
