Benin Republic will be without key defender Cédric Hountondji for their crucial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Nigeria and Libya due to a hamstring injury, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The center-back suffered the injury during preparations for their match against Rwanda in Kigali and is expected to be sidelined for approximately one month.

Hountondji's absence is a significant blow to the Benin Republic's hopes of securing a spot at the AFCON for the first time since 2019.

The Cheetahs currently occupy second place in Group D with six points from six games.

Gernot Rohr's side will host Nigeria at the Felix Houphet Boigny Stadium in Abidjan next Thursday.

"Hountondji's injury is a big loss for us, but we have to find a way to cope," Rohr said.

 

By Olujimi Dare Ogun

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