Victor Ikpeba’s preview and prediction for Nigeria’s AFCON Qualifiers!

Nigeria start their AFCON qualifying campaign this weekend, taking on Benin and then Rwanda in two matches that restore some much-needed positivity to the atmosphere surrounding the Super Eagles following disappointing performances in their opening four 2026 World Cup Qualifiers.

We spoke to former Super Eagle and Bet9ja Ambassador Victor Ikpeba ahead of the international break to hear his thoughts on the upcoming fixtures.

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NIgeria have an opportunity to turn over a new leaf!

It’s no secret that Finidi George’s brief tenure as Nigeria boss was a bit of a nightmare – following in Jose Peseiro’s shoes was always going to be a tough task. It was common knowledge that the team over-performed at AFCON, so trying to improve on that in the short time that he was in charge was always going to be a real challenge. 

Victor Osimhen is officially a Galatasaray player! ???pic.twitter.com/qSDbaEJlAR

— Bet9ja: The home of #betBOOM! ? (@Bet9jaOfficial) September 4, 2024

For now, the team just need to focus on playing as a unit and showing the quality that they have. Victor Osimhen will have a point to prove after a summer of speculation that culminated in a shock loan move to Galatasaray, and Ademola Lookman will want to put a rubber-stamp on his Ballon D’Or nomination that was revealed earlier this week. 

Benin and Rwanda are tough outfits!

Despite not having the big name players that Nigeria do, Benin and Rwanda are both very difficult teams to come up against in qualification. They currently sit joint-top of the World Cup qualification group with seven points and will know that they can replicate this form in these AFCON qualifiers.

Full-Time: ?? Benin 2-1 Nigeria ??

Defeat.

Thoughts? pic.twitter.com/Y1aKU9kInv

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It’s always difficult to play away in Africa – The Super Eagles are recognised as one of Africa’s biggest sides and they will have a big target on their backs. I think that Nigeria will be able to get through both of these fixtures though – I predict a 2-1 win against Benin, and a 1-0 victory against Rwanda.

You can click HERE to bet on Nigeria to win over Benin!