CAF Gives Green Light: Nigeria's AFCON Qualifier Against Benin, Rwanda Gets Official Dates

• The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed the dates and kickoff times for Nigeria's 2025 Africa Cup of Nations first round qualification matches against Benin and Rwanda.
• The Super Eagles, seeking their 21st AFCON appearance, will face a challenging Group D campaign, with the matches against Benin and Rwanda marking the beginning of their qualification quest. 

Through a statement on their official website, the Confederation of African Football has announced new kickoff times and dates for Nigeria's crucial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualification matches against Benin and Rwanda. As the Super Eagles aim to secure their 21st AFCON appearance, the stage is set for an electrifying campaign.

Nigeria's Group D opponents, including Benin, Libya, and Rwanda, will provide a stern test for the three-time African champions. The journey begins on September 7 at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, where the Super Eagles will face Benin's Cheetahs at 5:00 pm. This highly anticipated encounter marks the second meeting between both teams this year, following Benin's 2-1 victory in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification match in June.

Three days later, on September 10, Nigeria will travel to Kigali, Rwanda, to face the Amavubi at the Amahoro Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for 2:00 pm. As the competition heats up, the Super Eagles will need to be at the top of their game to secure a spot in the coveted tournament, set to take place in Morocco.

With the stakes high, the Nigeria Football Federation is yet to appoint a substantive coach, leaving fans wondering who will lead the team to victory. As the clock ticks down to the first match, the search for a suitable candidate continues, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the Super Eagles' quest for glory.

The three time African Champions finished second at the last edition of the tournament early this year, succumbing to a 2-1 loss to hosts Ivory Coast in the final, despite getting on the scoresheet first in the game.