Nigeria face Benin Republic in a make-or-break 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Tuesday evening at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo.
The Super Eagles must win — and hope results elsewhere go their way — to keep their World Cup dream alive.
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The kick off is 5 pm and the match will be live on Super Sports , Afrosports.
Match Preview
Nigeria’s road to the 2026 World Cup has been rocky, filled with missed chances and costly draws that now leave them needing a miracle on the final day.
After missing out on Qatar 2022, few expected the Super Eagles to again be at risk of back-to-back failures — something unprecedented since their debut in 1994.
Eric Chelle’s side sit third in Group C with 14 points from nine matches (3 wins, 5 draws, 1 loss), scoring 11 goals and conceding eight.
They trail leaders Benin by three points and second-placed South Africa by one.
To qualify automatically, Nigeria must defeat Benin by at least two goals and hope South Africa fail to beat Rwanda.
If South Africa win, Nigeria will need a two-goal victory to claim the playoff berth on goal difference.
Chelle’s men come into this fixture buoyed by a 2-1 win over Lesotho, courtesy of goals from William Troost-Ekong and debutant Akor Adams — but their fate remains out of their control after a campaign defined by inconsistency.
Benin, led by former Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr, are on the brink of history.
The Cheetahs top Group C with 17 points (5 wins, 2 draws, 2 losses), boasting one of the tightest defences in the qualifiers. Tosin Aiyegun’s goal sealed a 1-0 victory over Rwanda in their last outing.
Rohr’s men also shocked Nigeria 2-1 in June 2024 — their first-ever win over the Super Eagles in eight meetings — adding extra spice to this high-stakes encounter.
Form Guide
Nigeria (World Cup Qualifiers – Africa): LWDWDW
Nigeria (All Competitions): WWDWDW
Benin (World Cup Qualifiers – Africa): WDLWWW
Benin (All Competitions): DLLWWW
Team News
Nigeria will be without winger Ademola Lookman (suspended) and right-back Ola Aina (injury).
Alex Iwobi is expected to orchestrate midfield play, while Victor Osimhen, the team’s top scorer with three goals, leads the attack alongside Tolu Arokodare or Akor Adams depending on the choice of the coach..
Moses Simon and Samuel Chukwueze are likely to provide width, with Troost-Ekong and Calvin Bassey anchoring defence. Stanley Nwabali retains his place in goal.
Benin are expected to field an unchanged lineup from their win over Rwanda, with Steve Mounie leading the line, supported by Jodel Dossou. Marcel Dandjinou starts in goal behind the defensive quartet of Ouorou, Verdon, Tijani, and Roche.
Probable Lineups
Nigeria: Nwabali; Fredrick, Troost-Ekong, Bassey, Onyemaechi; Ndidi, Iwobi; Chukwueze, Simon; Osimhen, Arokodare
Benin: Dandjinou; Ouorou, Verdon, Tijani, Roche; D’Almeida, Imourane; Dossou, Dokou, Hountondji; Mounie
Prediction
Nigeria 2–0 Benin –
The Super Eagles are likely to fight hard for a win by 2-0.
The result may earn them a play off position as automatic qualification lies in the hands of South Africa.
A win for South Africa over Rwanda will take them above the Super Eagles irrespective of the in Uyo.
