After a campaign filled with missed chances and frustrating draws, the Super Eagles find themselves in an unfamiliar position — needing both victory and a helping hand from other results to stay in contention for a place at the global showpiece.
Nigeria’s road to the 2026 World Cup has been rocky. Following their painful failure to qualify for the 2022 edition in Qatar — losing out to arch-rivals Ghana — few could have imagined the three-time African champions facing the possibility of missing out on consecutive tournaments for the first time since their World Cup debut in 1994.
Heading into this decisive fixture, Eric Chelle’s men sit third in Group C with 14 points from nine matches, having won three, drawn five, and lost one. They have scored 11 goals and conceded eight — a record that mirrors their inconsistency throughout the campaign.
Nigeria trail group leaders Benin Republic by three points and second-placed South Africa by one. To qualify automatically, the Super Eagles must defeat Benin by at least two clear goals and hope South Africa fail to beat Rwanda. Even if South Africa win, a two-goal margin could still hand Nigeria a playoff spot on goal difference.
Chelle’s side approach this encounter boosted by a 2–1 victory over Lesotho on Friday, courtesy of goals from William Troost-Ekong and debutant Akor Adams. However, the coach admits that their fate “is no longer entirely in their hands” after a string of late lapses and wasted opportunities earlier in the campaign.
Meanwhile, Benin Republic are on the brink of making history. Under the guidance of former Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr, the Cheetahs top Group C with 17 points from nine matches (five wins, two draws, and two defeats), scoring 12 goals and conceding seven. Their most recent 1–0 win over Rwanda, thanks to Tosin Aiyegun’s decisive strike, solidified their position as surprise leaders.
Rohr’s men have defied expectations throughout the qualifiers — and notably handed Nigeria their only defeat of the campaign, a 2–1 win in June 2024, marking Benin’s first-ever victory over their West African neighbours after seven previous meetings.
Nigeria will be without Ademola Lookman, who is suspended after picking up his second yellow card in the 64th minute against Lesotho, triggering a one-match ban under CAF rules. Right-back Ola Aina also remains sidelined due to an injury sustained during the 1–1 draw with South Africa last month.
Despite these setbacks, Chelle has urged his team to stay positive.
“The team remains focused and confident. Lookman’s suspension is unfortunate, but we have enough quality to compete effectively. Every player must be ready to step up,” he said.
In midfield, Alex Iwobi is expected to once again dictate play, while Victor Osimhen, Nigeria’s top scorer in qualifying with three goals, will lead the attack alongside Tolu Arokodare. Moses Simon and Samuel Chukwueze are set to operate from the wings, with Troost-Ekong partnering Calvin Bassey in central defence and Stanley Nwabali continuing in goal.
For Benin, Steve Mounie will spearhead the attack, supported by Jodel Dossou, while the back four of Tamimou Ouorou, Olivier Verdon, Mohamed Tijani, and Yohan Roche remains unchanged. Marcel Dandjinou is expected to retain his place between the posts.
As both nations prepare for this decisive showdown, the stakes could not be higher. For Benin, it’s a chance to make history. For Nigeria, it’s a battle for redemption — and the desperate hope of keeping their World Cup dreams alive.
