The Super Eagles of Nigeria will be fighting to keep their 2026 FIFA World Cup dream alive when they face Group C leaders Benin Republic on Tuesday at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
For Nigeria, a football powerhouse that has graced six World Cup finals since debuting in 1994, the stakes could not be higher.
The three-time African champions must secure a convincing win over the Cheetahs and hope for a favourable result from Nelspruit, where South Africa host Rwanda in the group’s other decisive fixture.
Read Also: 2026 WCQ: Chelle, Ekong drum support for Super Eagles ahead of Benin clash
Group C Standings
Benin Republic top Group C with 17 points, two clear of South Africa (15) and three ahead of Nigeria (14). A win in Uyo would see Gernot Rohr’s side, led by the German who once managed the Super Eagles, qualify for their first-ever World Cup, a historic achievement for the Cheetahs.
Nigeria, however, are desperate to avoid missing consecutive World Cup tournaments for the first time in their history, having failed to qualify for Qatar 2022. Since their maiden appearance in the USA in 1994, the Super Eagles have featured at every World Cup except in 2006 and 2022, reaching the Round of 16 in 1994, 1998, and 2014.
Super Eagles Focused on Redemption
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle and his squad know what is at stake. Nigeria are the only side among the three contenders to have lost just once in the qualifying campaign. A two-goal victory over Benin, coupled with South Africa dropping points against Rwanda, would be enough to send the Eagles soaring back to the global stage.
The team will rely on its mix of experience and youthful energy. William Troost-Ekong, who is set to earn his 83rd cap, and midfielder Alex Iwobi will bring valuable experience, having both featured at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
Meanwhile, 2023 African Player of the Year Victor Osimhen, along with Ademola Lookman, Calvin Bassey, Frank Onyeka, Raphael Onyedika, and Samuel Chukwueze, are determined to earn their first taste of football’s biggest stage.
Key Absences on Both Sides
Benin will be without key players Yohan Roche and Sessi D’Almeida through suspension, while Nigeria are also hit by absences. Ademola Lookman (suspension) and full-backs Ola Aina and Bright Osayi-Samuel (injuries) will miss the crunch tie.
Fans’ Faith Fuels the Eagles
Despite the challenges, the Super Eagles are counting on the support of their fans, with thousands expected to fill the Godswill Akpabio Stadium.
The nation’s 220 million football lovers will also be watching anxiously as their team seeks redemption.
As the final whistle approaches in both Uyo and Nelspruit, the equation will be simple for Nigeria: win well and hope fortune smiles on them elsewhere.
A place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico is the prize, and the Super Eagles will need every ounce of belief, precision, and resilience to claim it.
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