A significant blow to Benin Republic’s preparations for their upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, the squad has been hit by a wave of injuries, leaving head coach Gernot Rohr with mounting selection challenges ahead of their crucial clash with the Super Eagles of Nigeria.
The latest setbacks have seen midfielder Matteo Ahlinvi and left-back David Kiki join an growing list of unavailable players, further complicating Benin’s preparations for what promises to be a demanding qualifying campaign. These absences add to the already confirmed unavailability of defensive stalwarts Cedric Hountondji and Olivier Verdon.
Ahlinvi’s injury occurred during his recent appearance for Swedish club Vasteras, forcing him to remain with his club for medical treatment. Meanwhile, Kiki, despite being present with the squad in Abidjan, has been deemed unfit to participate according to Rohr’s latest assessment. The German tactician explained the situation regarding Kiki, noting that while the player has recovered from a two-month injury layoff, he isn’t yet ready for competitive action.
“Kiki is still a little short to resume right away. He has been injured for two months but he has regained his health,” Rohr stated in comments reported by Joueurs Beninois. This cautious approach reflects the delicate balance between rushing players back and ensuring their long-term fitness.
The situation has been further complicated by Rohr’s decision not to call up replacements for the injured quartet, raising questions about the depth of the squad heading into these crucial qualifiers. This strategy suggests either confidence in the remaining squad members or limited options available at such short notice.
The absence of Hountondji and Verdon, in particular, represents a significant defensive void for Benin. Both players have been key figures in the team’s defensive setup, and their experience will be sorely missed against a Nigerian attack known for its potency and variety of options.
These developments come at a crucial time for Benin as they prepare not only for the Nigeria clash but also for their fixture against Libya. The double-header of qualifiers represents a critical period in their campaign to reach the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, making the timing of these injury setbacks particularly unfortunate.
The situation presents a significant tactical challenge for Rohr, who must now reorganize his defensive and midfield strategies to compensate for these absences. The former Nigeria coach’s experience in African football could prove crucial in navigating these selection challenges, but the loss of key players undoubtedly complicates his preparation plans.
For Benin, these qualifiers represent more than just the immediate goal of reaching AFCON 2025; they’re an opportunity to establish themselves as a growing force in African football. However, the current injury crisis threatens to undermine their ambitions, particularly against a Nigerian side expected to field a strong lineup.
The Super Eagles, meanwhile, will likely view these developments as an opportunity to capitalize on their opponent’s depleted resources. Nigeria’s depth and quality across all positions could prove decisive against a Benin side forced to field a reorganized defensive unit.
Despite these setbacks, Rohr’s experience and tactical acumen could still prove valuable in devising strategies to compensate for the absent players. His intimate knowledge of Nigerian football, gained during his tenure as Super Eagles coach, might also provide useful insights in preparing his team for the challenge ahead.
As the matchday approaches, all eyes will be on how Benin adapts to these forced changes and whether the remaining squad members can step up to fill the considerable void left by their injured teammates. The outcome of these qualifiers could have significant implications for both nations’ AFCON 2025 aspirations, making the management of this injury crisis all the more crucial for Benin’s chances of success.
