WCQ: Decision day as Super Eagles target win over Benin Republic

By Tosin Omojola –

It is decision day for Nigeria as the Super Eagles face Benin Republic in a must-win final Group C game of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The match, scheduled for 5 p.m. at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, will determine whether Nigeria secures a direct ticket or a playoff spot after a turbulent qualifying campaign.

Nigeria revived their qualification hopes with a hard-fought 2–1 win over Lesotho last Friday, moving within reach of the group leaders. The Super Eagles must now defeat Benin and hope for a favourable result from Nelspruit, where South Africa host Rwanda, to stand a chance of progressing.

Benin Republic currently top the group with 17 points and need only a draw to qualify for their first-ever FIFA World Cup. The Cheetahs, coached by former Nigeria boss Gernot Rohr, have impressed throughout the campaign and hold a two-point cushion over their closest rivals.

For Nigeria, the stakes could not be higher. The Super Eagles have not missed two consecutive World Cup finals since first qualifying in 1994, and Coach Eric Sekou Chelle has vowed that his players will give their all to secure victory and keep their hopes alive.

Both teams will, however, be without key players. Benin Republic’s central defender Yohan Roche and midfielder Sessi D’Almeida are suspended, while Nigeria will miss Africa Player of the Year Ademola Lookman, as well as wing-backs Olaoluwa Aina and Bright Osayi-Samuel, who are sidelined by injuries.

Despite the setbacks, confidence remains high in the Nigerian camp. The team’s experienced core, many of whom have featured at previous World Cups, are determined to ensure the nation’s seventh appearance at football’s biggest stage.

A win by at least two goals, combined with South Africa’s failure to beat Rwanda, will guarantee Nigeria an automatic ticket to the 23rd FIFA World Cup finals, to be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico next summer.

The Super Eagles’ destiny now hinges on their ability to deliver a commanding performance in Uyo — one that could define their place in world football history.