Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup hang by a thread as the Super Eagles host Benin Republic on Tuesday evening at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, in their final Group C qualifier.
Group C on a Knife’s Edge
The qualification battle in Group C is set for a dramatic finale. Benin Republic lead with 17 points, followed by South Africa (15) and Nigeria (14).
Last Friday, Nigeria kept their hopes alive with a tense 2–1 win over Lesotho in Polokwane, courtesy of goals from William Troost-Ekong and debutant Akor Adams. Meanwhile, South Africa were held to a goalless draw by Zimbabwe, and Benin edged Rwanda 1–0 through Tosin Aiyegun’s late strike.
For Nigeria to qualify automatically, they must beat Benin by at least two goals and hope that South Africa fail to defeat Rwanda in Nelspruit. If South Africa win, the Super Eagles would need a big-margin victory to overtake on goal difference.
Super Eagles Under Pressure
Since debuting at the 1994 World Cup, Nigeria have featured in six of the last eight editions. Failure to qualify again would mark their first back-to-back absence since then, after missing the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Head coach Eric Chelle, who replaced Finidi George earlier this year, has urged belief:
“We have to win this game. We must fight to the end — we want to go to the World Cup.”
Benin’s Moment of Destiny
For Benin Republic, this fixture represents a historic opportunity. The Cheetahs, managed by former Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr, need only a draw to secure their first-ever World Cup qualification.
Rohr’s disciplined side have conceded just seven goals in nine matches, with Steve Mounie spearheading the attack alongside Jodel Dossou and Rodrigue Kossi. Their famous 2–1 win over Nigeria in June transformed their campaign and confidence.
Captain Steve Mounie summed up their mindset:
“We all know what we’re playing for — something bigger than any individual. We’ll give everything.”
Team News
Nigeria will be without Ademola Lookman (suspension) and Ola Aina (injury), while Bright Osayi-Samuel remains a doubt.
Victor Osimhen, the team’s top scorer in the qualifiers (3 goals), is expected to lead the line, flanked by Samuel Chukwueze and Moses Simon. Alex Iwobi and Wilfred Ndidi anchor the midfield, while Troost-Ekong and Calvin Bassey form the defensive core.
Stanley Nwabali is set to retain his place in goal despite criticism for his display against Lesotho.
Nigeria possible XI: Nwabali; Fredrick, Troost-Ekong, Bassey, Onyemaechi; Ndidi, Iwobi; Chukwueze, Simon; Osimhen, Arokodare.
For Benin, Yohan Roche and Sessi D’Almeida are suspended, forcing Rohr into defensive reshuffles.
Benin possible XI: Dandjinou; Ouorou, Verdon, Tijani, Roche; Imourane, D’Almeida; Dossou, Hountondji, Dokou; Mounie.
The Stakes Couldn’t Be Higher
A packed Godswill Akpabio Stadium will rally behind the Super Eagles as they fight to protect Nigeria’s football legacy. For Benin, a draw would fulfill a national dream.
The permutations are simple: Nigeria need a two-goal victory and a favour from Rwanda. Anything less, and their World Cup hopes vanish.
Prediction
Nigeria 3–1 Benin Republic — Driven by desperation and home support, the Super Eagles may just pull off a miracle finish.
Match Details
🕒 Kick-off: Tuesday, 14 October 2025
🏟️ Venue: Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo
🏆 Competition: 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers (CAF)
