Nigeria’s Super Eagles are facing one of their biggest football tests in recent years as they take on Group C leaders Benin Republic in a decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, on Tuesday evening.
After missing out on the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the three-time African champions are on the brink of another painful disappointment, something that hasn’t happened since their debut appearance on the global stage in 1994.
Eric Chelle’s men currently sit third in the group with 14 points from nine matches, three points behind Benin and one behind South Africa. To keep their World Cup dream alive, Nigeria must beat Benin and pray that Rwanda deny South Africa a win in Mbombela. Even then, a superior goal difference could still be the deciding factor.
The Eagles’ 2–1 victory over Lesotho last Friday gave them a temporary boost, with William Troost-Ekong and debutant Akor Adams getting on the scoresheet. But their fate no longer lies solely in their hands after a campaign littered with defensive errors, wasted chances, and late-game collapses.
Despite their inconsistencies, Nigeria remain the least-beaten side among the top three, with just one loss, scoring 11 and conceding eight. But statistics mean little now, only victory can keep hope alive.
For Benin Republic, the task is far more straightforward. Gernot Rohr’s Cheetahs lead the table with 17 points, and a win in Uyo will send them to their first-ever FIFA World Cup. A draw could also be enough if South Africa stumble.
Few expected Benin to be in this position, but Rohr, who coached Nigeria between 2016 and 2021, has transformed them into a disciplined and fearless side. Their 1–0 win over Rwanda in the previous round, courtesy of Tosin Aiyegun’s strike, highlighted their growing confidence.
It was Rohr who masterminded Benin’s shocking 2–1 victory over Nigeria in June 2024, their first in eight meetings. That result adds a personal edge to Tuesday’s encounter as the Franco-German tactician faces his former team with everything at stake.
Nigeria, however, can lean on history. The Super Eagles have featured in six of the last eight World Cups, with players like Troost-Ekong and Alex Iwobi eager to lead the team back to football’s biggest stage. For younger stars like Victor Osimhen, Calvin Bassey, Frank Onyeka, and Samuel Chukwueze, this could be their first taste of World Cup football.
But Chelle’s team will be shorthanded. Ademola Lookman is suspended, while full-backs Ola Aina and Bright Osayi-Samuel remain sidelined by injury. Benin too will be without Yohan Roche and Sessi d’Almeida due to suspension, though Rohr is expected to retain the same line-up that triumphed over Rwanda, with Steve Mounie leading the attack and Marcel Dandjinou in goal.
Chelle is likely to field Osimhen at the heart of Nigeria’s attack, supported by Moses Simon and Chukwueze on the flanks, with Iwobi pulling strings in midfield. Troost-Ekong and Bassey will anchor the defence ahead of goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.
Beyond the formations, Tuesday’s showdown carries emotional weight, not just for players or coaches, but for two nations chasing very different dreams. Benin’s 11 million citizens are daring to believe in a first-ever World Cup journey, while 220 million Nigerians demand redemption and revival.
As kickoff approaches, it’s no longer about permutations or predictions. It’s about pride, passion, and one final push. Ninety minutes in Uyo will decide whether Nigeria’s dream lives on or if Benin will make history at their expense.
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