Nigeria vs Benin: Super Eagles Face Must-Win Showdown in Final 2026 World Cup Qualifier
All eyes will be on the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Tuesday evening as Nigeria take on Group C leaders Benin in the final matchday of the CAF 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Kickoff is set for 6:00 PM (16:00 GMT).
Qualification Stakes
The Super Eagles, currently third in Group C with 14 points, must secure victory to keep their qualification hopes alive.
Benin lead the group with 17 points, followed by South Africa (15 points).
A win for Benin guarantees their first-ever World Cup appearance, while Nigeria need all three points — and favorable results elsewhere — to stand a chance of progressing, either directly or through the intercontinental playoff for a possible 10th African slot.
Team News: Nigeria
Nigeria coach Eric Chele will be without Ademola Lookman, suspended after picking up his second yellow card in the win against Lesotho.
Defender Ola Aina remains sidelined through injury.
Star striker Victor Osimhen, fit again after returning from injury, will lead the attack. The Galatasaray forward says the team will fight to the end:
“We cannot promise much, but we will fight. We hope it will be our turn to be on top on Tuesday.”
Expected formation: 4-2-3-1
Probable lineup: Nwabali; Troost-Ekong, Fredrick, Bassey, Onyemaechi; Ndidi, Iwobi; Chukwueze, Simon; Osimhen, Arokodare.
Team News: Benin
Coach Gernot Rohr has a full squad available. His side, who edged Rwanda 1–0 on Friday, are expected to keep the same lineup.
Probable lineup: Dandjinou; Ouorou, Verdon, Tijani, Roche; D’Almeida, Imourane; Dossou, Dokou, Hountondji; Mounie.
Rohr, a former Nigeria coach, acknowledged the high stakes:
“It’s in our hands to qualify for a historic first World Cup. But all can change in one game. We must stay humble and focused.”
Head-to-Head Record
Since 2004, both teams have met 12 times — Nigeria have won nine, Benin two, and one ended in a draw.
Their last encounter in June 2024 saw Benin defeat Nigeria 2–1 in Abidjan.
Group C Standings (Before Final Matchday)
-
Benin – 17 pts (+5)
-
South Africa – 15 pts (+3)
-
Nigeria – 14 pts (+3)
-
Rwanda – 11 pts (−1)
-
Lesotho – 9 pts (−4)
-
Zimbabwe – 5 pts (−6)
