The Super Eagles of Nigeria are set to take on Benin at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on Tuesday, October 14 in their final game of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign, Footynaija.com reports.
Nigeria will be out to exact revenge after suffering a narrow 2-1 defeat in the reverse fixture of this tie which took place at the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny in Abidjan, Cote D’Ivoire back in June 2024.
More importantly, the Super Eagles, who currently trail Benin by three points heading into this clash, must earn a convincing victory in Uyo and hope Rwanda take points off second-placed South Africa in order to secure qualification.
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In this piece, Footynaija.com takes a look at five important players that will need to come alive to ensure victory for the Super Eagles on Tuesday.
5. Stanley Nwabali – GK
The Super Eagles goalkeeper won the hearts of Nigerians with his heroic displays during the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations in Cote D’Ivoire but his recent performances between the sticks have left much to be desired.
Heading into Tuesday’s game, he’ll need to be at his absolute best and avoid silly errors like the ones we witnessed late on at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.
4. Benjamin Frederick – DF
The 20-year-old center-back played at right-back against Lesotho and is likely to be deployed out of position once more when the Super Eagles play against Benin in Uyo.
We expect Gernot Rohr’s side to pose more attacking threat to the Super Eagles backline than Lesotho did on Friday so it will be interesting to watch how young Frederick balances his defensive duties with providing attacking width.
3. Samuel Chukwueze – FW
With Ademola Lookman’s absence due to suspension, Fulham’s new boy could well get a chance to feature in Eric Chelle’s starting XI for the first time since the Unity Cup.
Chukwueze possesses all the tools and tricks to cause headaches for Benin’s backline and create decisive attacking moments for the Super Eagles. Whether it’s from the first whistle or off the bench, he’s one player that can produce the goods in Uyo.
2. Akor Adams – FW
Many Nigerians will be itching to see the in-form Sevilla striker replace Tolu Arokodare as Victor Osimhen’s strike partner for Tuesday’s clash in Uyo after watching his dream debut performance against Lesotho on Friday.
Adams will be high on confidence after carrying his goal-scoring form from club level to the national team.
If given the opportunity on Tuesday, the 25-year-old’s current form could provide that much needed attacking impetus that has eluded Chelle’s side for much of the qualifying campaign.
1. Victor Osimhen – FW
Osimhen has arguably been Nigeria’s most important player since the arrival of Chelle as head coach and he’ll be primed to play a major role for the Super Eagles once more as they look to get the job done with a last-ditch push in Uyo.
Capable of causing trouble for even the best defenders in world football, Osimhen’s presence in the Super Eagles attack will surely give Benin’s defense so much to think about.
The masked hitman will be looking to produce another major contribution after assisting Adams’ winner against Lesotho last time out.
