By Uzor Odigbo
Benin’s French coach Michel Dussuyer is confident his wards can upstage Nigeria when both West African close neighbours clash in Saturday’s Group L match of the Africa Cup of Nations, Cameroon 2021 qualifications at Stade Charles de Gaulle in Porto Novo.
It looks like a cup final contest, as just a single point separates both sides.
Nigeria currently sits on top of the group on eight points, one more than second placed Benin, with the hosts hopeful of avenging their 2-1 defeat in the reverse fixture.
A win for Benin on Saturday will secure their AFCON qualification for only the fifth time, and a consecutive one after 2004, 2008, 2010 and 2019 editions.
According to CAFonline.com Dussuyer, who had previously managed Cote d’Ivoire and Guinea, said the Squirrels will press for a win on Saturday, after naming his 23-man squad, in addition to unattached Stéphane Sessegnon as the “team’s motivator”.
“On Saturday, our ambition is to win. It will not be an easy task, but we have hopes,” said Dussuyer.
“Stéphane Sessegnon is selected as a special guest. He is not on the list of 23. He is called for his leadership and will participate in training sessions.”
After hosting Nigeria on Saturday, Benin will be away to the Leone Stars of Sierra Leone on March 30 at the National Stadium in Freetown
