2026 FIFA World Cup Preview: Super Eagles Determined to Secure Decent Win Over Benin Republic

Posted : 14 October 2025

Nigeria’s Super Eagles are determined to defeat Benin Republic and keep their World Cup hopes alive.

Coach Eric Sekou Chelle has assured that the Super Eagles will give their all to secure a vital win over the Cheetahs of Benin Republic as the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying race reaches its final matchday on Tuesday.

Group C leaders Benin Republic, who sit on 17 points, control their destiny — a victory over Nigeria at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo will seal their first-ever FIFA World Cup qualification.

However, Nigeria, determined to avoid missing two consecutive World Cup finals for the first time since their debut in 1994, will leave no stone unturned in pursuit of victory. Despite being third in the group, the Super Eagles remain the only team among the top three contenders to have lost just one match.

Benin Republic and second-placed South Africa, who have 15 points and face Rwanda’s Amavubi in Nelspruit, have both suffered two defeats each.

The Cheetahs, coached by former Super Eagles manager Gernot Rohr, have enjoyed a historic qualifying campaign. With a two-point lead at the top, a draw in Uyo — coupled with South Africa failing to defeat Rwanda — would be enough to send them to their first-ever World Cup.

Meanwhile, Nigeria are eyeing a seventh FIFA World Cup appearance, having reached the Round of 16 on three previous occasions. Captain William Troost-Ekong and midfielder Alex Iwobi, both veterans of the 2018 tournament, are eager to return to football’s biggest stage and help guide a younger generation of stars who have yet to experience it.

Ekong, voted Player of the Tournament at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations, is set to earn his 83rd international cap, while Iwobi will make his 89th appearance. Nigeria’s 2023 African Player of the Year, Victor Osimhen, alongside Calvin Bassey, Frank Onyeka, Raphael Onyedika, Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, and Ademola Lookman, are all seeking their first World Cup appearance.

Historically, Benin Republic have featured in only four Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, compared to Nigeria’s 20, which include three championship titles, five runner-up finishes, and eight third-place medals.

Both teams will be missing key players for the decisive match. Benin Republic’s Yohan Roche and Sessi d’Almeida are suspended, while Nigeria will be without Lookman, and injured full-backs Ola Aina and Bright Osayi-Samuel.

With national pride at stake, Gernot Rohr’s Benin Republic will have the support of their 11.5 million citizens, while Nigeria’s 220 million fans — including thousands in the stadium — will rally behind the Super Eagles.

A two-goal victory for Nigeria, combined with South Africa failing to beat Rwanda, would see the Super Eagles qualify automatically for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

2026 FIFA World Cup Preview: Super Eagles Determined to Secure Decent Win Over Benin Republic

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