Benin Republic Hit by Defensive Injuries Ahead of AFCON 2025 Qualifiers

Benin Republic will be without defender Olivier Verdon for their upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Nigeria and Libya. Verdon, a key player for the team, is ruled out due to injury and will miss both games.

The absence of the 29-year-old center-back is a major setback for Benin, as he is considered one of the team's most reliable defenders. His injury comes on the heels of another defensive blow, with Cédric Hountondji already ruled out of the matches for the same reason.

Benin will host the Super Eagles of Nigeria at the Felix Houphouët-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan on Thursday before traveling to face the Mediterranean Knights of Libya four days later. These matches are crucial for their chances of qualifying for the tournament.