Benin Republic's preparations for their crucial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Nigeria and Libya have suffered another setback with the latest injury news, Nigeriasoccernet.com writes.
Midfielder Matteo Ahlinvi and left-back David Kiki are the latest absentees, joining the growing list of sidelined players.
Ahlinvi sustained an injury while playing for his Swedish club Vasteras, and will remain with the team for treatment. Meanwhile, Kiki, though present with the team in Abidjan, will miss the upcoming match due to fitness concerns, according to head coach Gernot Rohr.
"Kiki is still a little short to resume right away. He has been injured for two months but he has regained his health," Rohr was quoted by Joueurs Beninois.
Defenders Cedric Hountondji and Olivier Verdon had previously been ruled out, further depleting Benin’s squad.
Despite these significant injuries, Rohr has not called up replacements for any of the absentees, leaving the squad to manage with the available options.
Oluwayemi Omolagba