The Super Eagles of Nigeria will launch their final push for a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup when they take on the Cheetahs of Benin at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Tuesday, October 14, Footynaija.com reports.
Everything will be on the line in Uyo as Tuesday’s game is set to determine which nation clinches Group C’s ticket to the Mundial billed to take place in the United States, Canada and Mexico next summer.
Nigeria head into this encounter knowing that victory is non-negotiable to stand any chance of eventually qualifying while Benin, who currently sit top of the group, know that any result other than a defeat might be enough to seal qualification, so long as Rwanda manage to frustrate South Africa in Nelspruit.
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Match Preview
The Super Eagles’ 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign has been riddled with missed chances and costly draws, leaving them needing a last-ditch rescue effort to keep their hopes alive.
After failing to reach Qatar 2022, not many expected the three-time African champions to risk missing back-to-back tournaments for the first time since 1994.
Benin, led by former Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr, top Group C with 17 points from nine games. The Cheetahs’ 1-0 win over Rwanda last time out brought them within touching distance of a historic first World Cup appearance.
Rohr also orchestrated Benin’s 2-1 victory over Nigeria at the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny, Abidjan back in June 2024, handing the Super Eagles’ first-ever defeat against their West African neighbours.
Eric Chelle’s men sit third with 14 points, trailing Benin by three and South Africa by one. To qualify automatically, Nigeria must beat Benin by at least two goals and hope South Africa drop points to Rwanda. If Bafana Bafana win, the Super Eagles still need a two-goal victory to potentially reach the playoffs.
While Nigeria’s fate remains out of their hands, that 2-1 win over Lesotho on Friday provides the perfect momentum to go on and get the job done on Tuesday. But with the Cheetahs also coming off the back of that big win over Rwanda as well, the stage is set for a very intriguing clash in Uyo.
Head-to-Head
The Super Eagles have historically dominated this fixture, boasting 13 wins, three draws and just one defeat in 17 meetings.
That solitary loss came during this same qualifying campaign, a 2-1 defeat in the reverse fixture in June 2024.
Their most recent meetings came in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, with Nigeria cruising to a 3-0 win in the first encounter before being held to a 1-1 draw in the return leg.
Team news
Both Nigeria and Benin will head into this crucial tie with notable absences, as injuries and suspensions take a toll on both camps.
For the Super Eagles, most of the regular stars are available, but winger Ademola Lookman is ruled out after accumulating yellow cards. First-choice right-back Ola Aina, striker Cyriel Dessers and midfielder Raphael Onyedika are also unavailable due to injuries.
Despite these setbacks, Eric Chelle still commands an impressive squad, with the likes of Victor Osimhen, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Wilfred Ndidi, Calvin Bassey and Alex Iwobi expected to play huge roles.
Benin boss Gernot Rohr faces similar selection headaches as influential duo Yohan Roche and Sessi D’Almeida are suspended, while Abdoul Moumini, Junior Olaitan and Rodolfo Aloko have been sidelined through injury.
Both managers will be forced to adjust, but the Super Eagles’ depth gives them a clear advantage heading into this decisive encounter.
Match details
- Fixture: Nigeria vs Benin
- Venue: Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, Nigeria.
- Kick-off: Tuesday, October 14. 5.00 PM local time
- Competition: 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualification CAF
