The Super Eagles will “give everything” in Tuesday’s crucial World Cup qualifying match against Benin
Nigeria is aiming for a decisive victory over Benin Republic as the penultimate matchday in Uyo approaches for 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria will give it their all in Tuesday’s last 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against the Cheetahs of Benin Republic at Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.
While hoping for a favorable outcome from Nelspruit, where South Africa hosts Rwanda in another crucial Group C match, coach Eric Sekou Chelle stated that his squad will “give everything they have” to defeat Benin Republic.
A victory versus Nigeria will give Benin Republic, who presently lead the group with 17 points, a historic first-ever qualifying for the FIFA World Cup. As such, they control their own destiny.
For the first time since making their World Cup debut in 1994, Nigeria is battling to avoid missing consecutive World Cup berths. With 14 points, the Super Eagles are third in the group and the only one of the top three contenders to have only lost once during the qualification campaign.
Both South Africa (15 points) and Benin Republic, the group’s adversaries, have lost twice. South Africa’s loss to Rwanda at Mbombela Stadium and the Super Eagles’ victory over the Cheetahs by a minimum of two goals are crucial to their prospects.
Gernot Rohr, a former Nigerian coach who currently leads Benin Republic, has guided the country through one of its best qualifying campaigns; if South Africa loses their match on Tuesday, the Cheetahs only need a point.
A seventh FIFA World Cup appearance is on the line for Nigeria. The Super Eagles are keen to make a comeback to the world stage after missing the 2022 tournament in Qatar, having advanced to the Round of 16 three times before.
Alex Iwobi, a midfielder and member of the 2018 World Cup team, and captain William Ekong will spearhead the push for qualifying. Ekong will receive his 83rd cap, and Iwobi will make his 89th. Ekong was named Man of the Competition at the most recent Africa Cup of Nations.
A new generation of players, including Calvin Bassey, Frank Onyeka, Raphael Onyedika, Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Ademola Lookman, and Nigeria’s leading scorer and 2023 Africa Player of the Year Victor Osimhen, are vying for their first World Cup.
But both teams will be without important players. While Nigeria will be without Ademola Lookman, Ola Aina, and Bright Osayi-Samuel due to injury, Benin Republic will be without Yohan Roche and Sessi d’Almeida due to suspension.
With 11.5 million people, the Benin Republic will back Rohr’s team, while Nigeria’s 220 million fans—including thousands expected in Uyo—will be rooting for the Super Eagles to maintain their World Cup hopes.
South Africa’s defeat and Nigeria’s two-goal victory will guarantee the six-time African champions a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be held in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
