Nigeria’s Super Eagles and Benin’s Cheetahs will face off in a vital Group C qualifier for the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo this evening, as both teams aspire to secure a place at the global tournament in North America.
Benin enters the match at the top of the group with 17 points, two ahead of second-placed South Africa and three in front of third-placed Nigeria, following their 1-0 away victory over Rwanda in Kigali on Friday. Consequently, the Cheetahs are just one win away from guaranteeing the top spot and achieving their first-ever qualification for the World Cup.
However, a victory for Nigeria by two clear goals would see the Super Eagles level on points with Benin, surpassing them on goal difference. Should South Africa fail to win their concurrent home game against Rwanda, Eric Chelle’s side would take the top position and secure a return to the World Cup after missing the 2022 edition in Qatar.
The Super Eagles maintained their chances of automatic qualification with a 2-1 victory over Lesotho in Polokwane, South Africa, last Friday. Yet, the path to qualification remains uncertain as they head into this decisive fixture against surprise group leaders, Benin.
Ahead of this evening’s crucial encounter, the head coach of the Super Eagles, Eric Chelle, and Captain William Troost-Ekong acknowledged that Nigeria faces a challenging encounter against the Cheetahs of Benin Republic, stating that the national team will depend on a combination of miracle and mathematics to qualify.
During a pre-match press conference yesterday at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Chelle emphasised that the players’ focus is firmly on securing victory in the upcoming match.
He mentioned that he has been working with the players to cultivate the right mentality to counter the threats posed by the Cheetahs, assuring that with the correct approach, victory is within reach.
Captain Troost-Ekong expressed optimism for a win, noting that the players have successfully managed any fatigue from travel issues by ensuring they are well-rested and prepared for the match.
He reflected on the 2017 qualification for the 2018 World Cup, asserting that the squad will draw on past experiences to set themselves up for success.
“It’s like an uphill task; we are swimming against the tide, but we are going to give our utmost to secure victory,” he stressed.
Ekong also urged supporters to stand by the team until the final whistle, believing that nothing is impossible.
Former Super Eagles Captain Austin Eguavoen expressed confidence, stating that he expects nothing less than victory for the Super Eagles. “I don’t know the scoreline, but I am very sure we will win,” he maintained.
The Cheetahs, now managed by former Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr, have enjoyed a commendable campaign as they seek their maiden ticket to the global finals.
Their 17 points and two-point lead mean that a draw in Uyo tonight, alongside South Africa failing to defeat Rwanda at Mbombela, will secure their dream of World Cup qualification.
In contrast, Nigeria is aiming for a seventh appearance at the FIFA World Cup, having reached the Round of 16 in three of their previous appearances. Nigeria has not missed consecutive FIFA World Cup finals since first qualifying in 1994. and the core of the present Squad understands that this may be their only opportunity to stand on football’s grandest stage.
Of the 21 players in the Super Eagles’ camp for today’s match, only Captain William Ekong, Wilfred Ndidi, and Alex Iwobi featured at the 2018 FIFA World Cup finals. In contrast, the likes of Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Calvin Bassey, Frank Onyeka, Akor Adams, Raphael Onyedika, Simon Moses, Samuel Chukwueze, and several others have yet to experience the FIFA World Cup finals.
Both teams will be missing key players on Tuesday. Benin’s central defender Yohan Roche and defensive midfielder Sessi d’Almeida are suspended. Similarly, Nigeria will be without Africa Player of the Year Lookman, Olaoluwa Aina, and Bright Osayi-Samuel due to injuries. A two-goal victory for the Super Eagles, combined with a failure by South Africa to win against Rwanda in Nelspruit, would earn Nigeria an automatic ticket to the 23rd FIFA World Cup finals in the USA, Canada, and Mexico next summer.
