Benin Republic’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying hopes have been dealt a significant blow, as experienced defender Cedric Hountondji is set to miss the crucial Group D fixture against Nigeria on November 14.
Cyber Reporters reports that Hountondji, 30, has been sidelined with an ankle injury since September, and his French club Angers SCO’s latest update suggests no return date has been set.
The center-back’s absence was felt in Benin’s 2-1 loss to Rwanda in their last outing.
Former Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr will be without his reliable defender, strengthening Nigeria’s chances in the Abidjan showdown.
Benin currently sits second in Group D with six points, and a win against Nigeria could secure their spot in the 2025 AFCON finals in Morocco.
Hountondji’s injury has left a gaping hole in Benin’s backline, and Rohr’s squad will need to find alternative solutions to compensate for his absence.
The defender’s unavailability could prove pivotal in the match’s outcome.
