Nigerians on social media have expressed optimism while some a little pessimism after the Super Eagles were drawn in the same group as Benin Republic for the 2025 AFCON qualifiers on Thursday in South Africa.

The other members of the Group D are Libya and Rwanda.

Recall, Benin defeated the Super Eagles 2-1 in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in June. The Squirrels will be a tough nut to crack as they are managed by former Nigeria coach Genort Rohr.

Next year’s AFCON will be held from December 21, 2025 to January 18, 2026, following the decision of CAF to adjust the schedule of the tournament due to the congested FIFA calendar.

The six-match qualifying series has been spread over the FIFA windows in September, October and November, with two matches in each seven-day window. The comprehensive fixtures are expected to be released by CAF soon.

Rwanda on the other hand are currently top of Nigeria’s group in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers with seven points, same as South Africa and Benin. Nigeria and Rwanda are yet to meet on the road to the USA, Canada and Mexico 2026 but will meet over two legs in the 2025 AFCON before the end of the year, The Punch reports.

The defeat against Benin and the vacant Eagles coaching role has left Nigerians worried about the team’s chances.

“Finidi George resigned almost a month ago, he’s picked up a new job, we know our opponents in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers and there’s still no word from the NFF on the vacant coaching position of the Super Eagles,” ACL Sports writer Samuel Areo said.

See how some Nigerians reacted

amandobazinta10 commented: "Nice group. Benin & Rohr will be shown supremacy. Libya will be dealt with for the lives of African taken via their seaport & country. Rwanda will be dealt with for agree with the uk govt for the asylum/deportation deal
we are the super eagles. Don’t play!"

ask4debbie said: "Abeg make Gerrout rohr nor use us shine again, Na beg I dey beg. NFF, please, get us a good coach and on time too, and please let every match should be taken like our lives depend on it."

okechukwufranklinchijioke wrote: "Time for benin 🇧🇯 to collect no wahala"

nelinho commented: "After now we go dey Struggle like say na Big Boys we dey play. The Truth is that apart of Osimhen the rest na Hype, Dem no Sabi anything."

joy.idrisa said: "Hopefully we come out top of this table. Una no go fall our hand abi"