Nigeria started with exactly the same formation that they played Lesotho with. As for Benin Republic, they also played with their best lineup.
Just like Lesotho, Benin Republic played in a 4-3-3 formation.
Saturnin Allagbe was their goalkeeper for the evening, while ahead of the goalkeeper stood the quadruple defense of Ryan Adigo in left back, Olivier Verdon and Cedric Hountondji in center defense, and Tamimou Ouorou in right back.
Ahead of the defensive quadruple was a midfield trio of Sessi D'Almeida, Mariano Ahouangbo who were both defensive midfielders, and Junior Olaitan.
Further ahead of the midfield was the attacking trio comprised of Jodel Dossou as the right winger, Steve Mounie playing as the left winger, and Andreas Hountondji playing as the center forward.
From Benin Republic's deployment of 2 defensive midfielders for this game, it was clear that their strategy today was a defensive one.