Super Eagles, Benin Cheetahs storm Uyo ahead of World Cup qualifier
The delegations of Nigeria and Benin Republic are scheduled to arrive in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, on Saturday afternoon ahead of Tuesday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifying Series Matchday 10 clash at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium.
Nigeria’s Super Eagles earned a 2-1 win over Lesotho in Polokwane on Friday to put themselves firmly in contention for the lone automatic ticket from Group C, while table-topping Benin Republic scored late against Rwanda’s Amavubi in Kigali to maintain their three-point lead over their West African neighbours.
Three-time African champions Nigeria will fly from the South African city of Polokwane to Uyo aboard a chartered ValueJet Airline aircraft, while the Cheetahs’ delegation is expected to arrive around the same time at the Obong Victor Attah International Airport.
Goals by Captain William Ekong (from the penalty spot) and debutant Jerome Akor Adams earned Nigeria the three points at the Peter Mokaba Stadium. The Super Eagles, 2024 AFCON runners-up, now need a two-goal win over their western neighbours—plus South Africa failing to beat Rwanda in Nelspruit—to secure the automatic ticket to North America.
The situation mirrors those of 2001 and 2009, when Nigeria overcame similar challenges to reach the global finals. After early losses to Liberia and Sierra Leone in 2001, the Super Eagles bounced back with victories over Liberia, Sudan, and Ghana to book their place at Korea/Japan 2002.
In 2009, an added-time goal by Obinna Nsofor against Mozambique kept Nigeria’s hopes alive until the final day. The Eagles then defeated Kenya 3-2 in Nairobi while Mozambique’s late equaliser against Tunisia ensured Nigeria’s qualification for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
The ambitious Cheetahs, now on 17 points, are coached by Franco-German tactician Gernot Rohr, who qualified and led Nigeria to the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.
Egyptian official Amin Mohamed Omar will officiate Tuesday’s match, assisted by Mahmoud Abouelregal, Ahmed Tawfik Ali, and Mahmoud Moustafa Elbana. Jason Joseph Damoo from Seychelles will serve as referee assessor, Ghanaian Prosper Harrison Addo as match commissioner, and Xolile Vilakati from Eswatini as security officer.
