Nigeria vs Benin: High-Stakes CAF World Cup Qualifier Preview
In the decisive final fixture of Group C in the CAF qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Nigeria will host Benin in Uyo, where a win is mandatory for the Super Eagles if they are to keep realistic hopes of advancing.
Kick-off is set for 5:00 PM local time (16:00 GMT) at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.
Group Standing & Stakes
Benin currently top the group with 17 points and hold a better goal difference.
Nigeria sit in third place with 14 points, trailing both Benin and South Africa.
For Benin, a win or even a draw guarantees them a first-ever appearance in a World Cup finals.
Nigeria must win, ideally by a two-goal margin or more — to leapfrog Benin in the standings or at least force a playoff via the runners-up pathway.
Travel Drama: Plane Emergency
Nigeria’s journey to Uyo was disrupted by an unexpected incident: their aircraft was forced to make an emergency return to Luanda, Angola. The reason? A crack developed in the windscreen roughly 25 minutes into the flight.
The flight had originated in Polokwane, South Africa, with a refueling stop in Luanda en route to Nigeria.
Team News & Lineups
Star forward Victor Osimhen is fit and expected to lead the line.
However, Ademola Lookman is suspended after earning a second yellow card in the previous match.
Defender Ola Aina, still recovering from injury, remains out of contention.
Coach Eric Chelle is anticipated to deploy a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Osimhen as lone striker.
Possible Nigerian starting XI: Nwabali; Troost-Ekong, Fredrick, Bassey, Onyemaechi; Ndidi, Iwobi; Chukwueze, Simon; Osimhen, Arokodare
Coach Gernot Rohr has a full complement of players available.
Their favored 4-2-3-1 setup will likely remain, with Steve Mounié spearheading the attack and Dossou and Hountondji in support.
Defensively, the back four is expected to be Ouorou, Verdon, Tijani, Roche supported by Dandjinou in goal.
Historical & Tactical Context
Nigeria and Benin have faced off 12 times since 2004. Nigeria have dominated with 9 wins; Benin have won twice.
Their most recent meeting saw Benin beat Nigeria 2-1 in Abidjan during the earlier rounds of this same qualifying campaign.
A key twist in this campaign: South Africa were penalized three points by FIFA for fielding an ineligible player, aiding both Nigeria and Benin’s paths.
Coach Comments & Outlook
Eric Chelle (Nigeria):
“The suspension is unfortunate, but the team has the strength and character to win.”
Gernot Rohr (Benin):
“This run is in our hands. It will be tougher away in Uyo, but we believe.”
For Nigeria, this is a must-win with no margin for error. Benin, however, have all they need to make history, a draw or win stamps their place at the FIFA 2026 finals.