The best site to get your Nigerian News, Latest News, Breaking News & Trending. From Politics, Entertainment, Sport, Education and Health.
Super Eagles Team
Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup face their biggest test yet as the Super Eagles prepare to host Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, on Tuesday evening in their final Group C fixture.
With their qualification dream hanging by a thread, the Super Eagles must not only win but also rely on a favorable result elsewhere to stand any chance of booking a ticket to the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The battle for qualification from Group C has reached its climax, with three teams — Benin Republic, South Africa, and Nigeria, still in contention for the top spot. Benin currently lead the group with 17 points, followed by South Africa with 15, while Nigeria trail closely behind with 14 points.
Last Friday, the Super Eagles earned a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Lesotho in Polokwane, thanks to goals from captain William Troost-Ekong and debutant Akor Adams. That win kept Nigeria’s slim qualification hopes alive.
Elsewhere, South Africa were held to a goalless draw by Zimbabwe in Durban, while Benin secured a narrow 1–0 victory over Rwanda, courtesy of Tosin Aiyegun’s late strike.
These results have set the stage for a nail-biting finale. For Nigeria to qualify automatically, they must defeat Benin Republic by at least two goals and hope that South Africa fail to beat Rwanda in Nelspruit.
If South Africa win, the Super Eagles would still require a high goal margin to overtake the group leaders on goal difference.
Once among Africa’s most consistent performers on the global stage, Nigeria’s qualification record has come under scrutiny. Since making their World Cup debut in 1994, the Super Eagles have appeared in six of the last eight editions.
However, the team failed to qualify for the 2022 tournament in Qatar after losing a playoff to Ghana on away goals, a setback that drew nationwide disappointment.
Another failure this time around would mark Nigeria’s first back-to-back absence from the World Cup since their debut in 1994, a reality that both players and fans are desperate to avoid.
Despite the pressure, the squad remains defiant. Head coach Eric Chelle, who replaced Finidi George earlier this year, has urged his players to “fight to the end” and called on fans to keep faith with the team.
For the Benin Republic, Tuesday’s encounter represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make history. The Cheetahs, coached by former Nigeria manager Gernot Rohr, sit top of the group and need just a draw to qualify for their first-ever FIFA World Cup finals.
Rohr, who managed Nigeria between 2016 and 2021, has transformed Benin into one of Africa’s most disciplined and compact sides. Their 2–1 victory over Nigeria in June turned the tide of the campaign and restored belief that they could achieve the unthinkable.
Benin’s success has been built on solid defensive organization, conceding only seven goals in nine matches, and the attacking influence of captain Steve Mounie, supported by Jodel Dossou and young midfielder Rodrigue Kossi.
Nigeria will be without Ademola Lookman, who is suspended after accumulating yellow cards. Right-back Ola Aina remains sidelined with injury, while Bright Osayi-Samuel is still recovering from a knock.
Victor Osimhen, Nigeria’s top scorer in the qualifiers with three goals, is expected to lead the attack. He’ll be supported by Samuel Chukwueze and Moses Simon on the flanks, while Alex Iwobi and Wilfred Ndidi anchor the midfield.
Captain Troost-Ekong and Calvin Bassey will command the defence, with Stanley Nwabali likely to retain his spot in goal despite recent criticism for his shaky display against Lesotho.
Benin, on the other hand, will miss key defenders Yohan Roche and Sessi D’Almeida, both suspended. Rohr is expected to reshuffle his backline but will still rely on experienced players like goalkeeper Marcel Dandjinou and striker Steve Mounie.
Nigeria: Nwabali; Fredrick, Troost-Ekong, Bassey, Onyemaechi; Ndidi, Iwobi; Chukwueze, Simon; Osimhen, Arokodare.
Benin: Dandjinou; Ouorou, Verdon, Tijani, Roche; Imourane, D’Almeida; Dossou, Hountondji, Dokou; Mounie.
The Godswill Akpabio Stadium is expected to be packed with passionate Nigerian fans as the Super Eagles look to keep their World Cup dreams alive.
For William Troost-Ekong and his teammates, this is more than just a football match — it’s a mission to preserve the nation’s footballing legacy. Meanwhile, Benin carry the hopes of their 11 million citizens, dreaming of a first-ever appearance on the world’s biggest football stage.
The permutations are simple: a two-goal victory for Nigeria and a favorable result in Nelspruit could seal a miraculous qualification. Anything less, and the Super Eagles will have to wait until 2030 for another shot at glory.
“I don’t think I need to motivate my teammates that much. We all know what we are playing for, which is bigger than any individual. We will give our best on the pitch.”
— Steve Mounie, Benin Captain
“We have to win this game. Nothing else matters. We want to go to the World Cup. I am happy and excited, though a little nervous — but we must win.”
— Eric Chelle, Nigeria Coach
Nigeria 3–1 Benin Republic, Backed by home support and driven by desperation, the Super Eagles may rise to the occasion and snatch a crucial win, though qualification still depends on South Africa’s result.
English 