Former Real Madrid and Super Eagles star Mutiu Adepoju has urged the Nigerian national team to take revenge on Benin Republic ahead of Thursday’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
This will be the third time both nations face each other in a competitive game this year, with each team having one win apiece.
The Cheetahs pulled off a 2-1 upset against the Super Eagles in June at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny during their World Cup qualifiers. The loss left Nigeria in fifth place, casting doubts on their chances of reaching the tournament finals in Qatar.
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Adepoju charges Super Eagles for Benin revenge
Despite the Super Eagles securing a comfortable 3-0 victory over Benin in September during their AFCON qualifiers, Adepoju doesn’t seem satisfied.
As Nigeria heads back to the Houphouët-Boigny Stadium for their AFCON qualifying clash against Benin, the former Super Eagles number eight has urged the team to claim all three points—not only to secure qualification to Morocco but also to make a statement by avenging the loss in June.
“Definitely, I’m looking forward to a victory and a good game from the Super Eagles, and I believe they can do it,” Adepoju said in an exclusive interview with Soccernet.ng.
“It’s going to be important to win the game. It is important to me, it is important to the players, and everyone in Nigeria to win that game because we have to make a bold statement against Benin Republic.
“Number one, to qualify for the AFCON. Then secondly, to make them know that what they did, beating us in June, was just by the way. It’s not as if they are superior to Nigeria. The players should show that, so we can be proud.”
Meanwhile, Benin Republic’s head coach, Gernot Rohr, has acknowledged the advantage the Super Eagles possess ahead of the game, and team captain William Troost-Ekong has revealed they will capitalize on this opportunity to exact revenge on their opponents.
