Nigeria and Benin face off in the final round of Group C’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification matches, with the coveted ticket to the United States, Canada and Mexico still up for grabs, Footynaija.com reports.
With everything on the line at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on Tuesday, October 14, Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle will know that his tactical setup and selection choices could define Nigeria’s World Cup fate in Uyo.
In the recent win over Lesotho, Chelle raised eyebrows by deploying Tolu Arokodare alongside Victor Osimhen in attack, flanked by Ademola Lookman and Moses Simon. The experiment, however, fell flat as Arokodare struggled to connect with Osimhen and the other attackers, leaving the Super Eagles front line disjointed and blunt.
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It took a second-half substitution to change the rhythm of the game. Akor Adams, introduced in place of Arokodare, injected urgency and physical presence into the attack, linking up impressively with Osimhen before netting the decisive goal after a fast break.
Chelle’s initial selection arguably stifled Nigeria’s attacking flow until those adjustments were made. Against Benin, a far more disciplined opponent, the coach cannot afford a repeat. His tactical choices must strike the right balance between attack and defense if the Super Eagles are to keep their World Cup dream alive.
Super Eagles Predicted XI
With Ola Aina and Bright-Osayi Samuel unavailable due to injury, 20-year-old Benjamin Frederick should once again occupy that right-back position while Bruno Onyemaechi plays at left-back.
Captain William Troost-Ekong will most likely partner Fulham’s Calvin Bassey in central defence, with Stanley Nwabali retaining his place between the posts despite that horror show in the closing stages of the Lesotho game.
In midfield, Alex Iwobi will once again be expected to provide creativity for the Super Eagles while Wilfred Ndidi steels things up and protects the back four.
Up front, Osimhen, who is Nigeria’s top scorer in the qualifiers with three goals, will lead the line, supported this time around by Akor Adams. With Ademola Lookman ruled out through suspension, Moses Simon and Samuel Chukwueze should provide width and pace on the flanks.
Potential starting XI: Nwabali; Fredrick, Bassey, Troost-Ekong, Onyemaechi; Ndidi, Iwobi; Chukwueze, Adams, Osimhen, Simon
The Super Eagles must secure a convincing victory against Benin on Tuesday and Footynaija.com is backing them to get the job done in front of their home supporters.
We predict a 3-1 result in favour of Nigeria.
