Nigeria’s journey through the 2026 World Cup qualifiers has been anything but smooth. Missed chances and a string of costly draws have left the Super Eagles needing both luck and a big performance on the final day.
After their failure to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar when they were eliminated by rivals Ghana, few could have imagined the Super Eagles being in danger of missing two consecutive tournaments. Since their first World Cup appearance in 1994, Nigeria have never failed to qualify for back-to-back editions, but that record now hangs in the balance.
Heading into the final round of Group C matches, Eric Chelle’s men sit third with 14 points from nine games, recording three wins, five draws, and one loss. They have scored 11 goals and conceded eight, a reflection of their inconsistency throughout the campaign.
Nigeria trail leaders Benin by three points and are one point behind second-placed South Africa. To grab an automatic ticket, they must beat Benin by at least two goals and hope South Africa fail to defeat Rwanda. If South Africa win, Nigeria would still need to secure a two-goal margin to claim a playoff spot on goal difference.
The Super Eagles will take confidence from their 2-1 win over Lesotho on Friday, where captain William Troost-Ekong and debutant Akor Adams found the net. However, their destiny is now beyond their full control, a situation born from late-game collapses and unforced mistakes throughout the qualifiers.
On the other hand, Benin Republic are just one step away from making history. Under former Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr, the Cheetahs have been one of the surprise success stories of this qualifying campaign.
Benin top Group C with 17 points from nine matches, winning five, drawing two, and losing two. Their sturdy defence conceding just seven goals has been a key factor behind their rise.
In their last outing, Benin edged Rwanda 1-0 thanks to substitute Tosin Aiyegun’s decisive strike, a result that took them to the summit of the table. Rohr’s leadership has been instrumental, transforming Benin into a disciplined and well-organized unit.
Interestingly, Rohr’s men also handed Nigeria their only defeat of the qualifiers—a 2-1 win in June 2024. That result marked Benin’s first-ever victory over Nigeria in eight meetings (six losses and one draw before that).
As the two West African sides prepare to meet again, the stakes couldn’t be higher. For Benin, a place in the World Cup would be a monumental achievement. For Nigeria, it’s a battle for redemption and possibly, survival.
INJURIES & SUSPENSIONS
Nigeria will be without Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman, who is suspended after receiving a yellow card in the victory over Lesotho.
Right-back Ola Aina also remains out with the injury he suffered during the 1-1 draw against South Africa in the previous international window.
In midfield, Alex Iwobi is once again expected to play a pivotal role. Despite divided opinions among fans, the Fulham midfielder has been one of Nigeria’s most reliable performers, providing creativity and control in the transition from defence to attack.
Leading the front line will be Victor Osimhen, the Super Eagles’ top scorer in the qualifiers with three goals. He is set to partner Tolu Arokodare in attack, while Moses Simon and Samuel Chukwueze are likely to provide width and pace from the wings.
Defensively, captain William Troost-Ekong should pair with Calvin Bassey at the heart of the defence, and Stanley Nwabali is expected to retain his spot between the posts.
For Benin, Steve Mounie will lead the charge up front, supported by Jodel Dossou. The defensive unit of Tamimou Ouorou, Olivier Verdon, Mohamed Tijani, and Yohan Roche are expected to stay intact, with Marcel Dandjinou continuing as the first-choice goalkeeper.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Nigeria possible starting lineup:
Nwabali; Fredrick, Troost-Ekong, Bassey, Onyemaechi; Ndidi, Iwobi; Chukwueze, Simon; Osimhen, Arokodare
Benin possible starting lineup:
Dandjinou; Ouorou, Verdon, Tijani, Roche; D'Almeida, Imourane; Dossou, Dokou, Hountondji; Mounie
EXPERT PREDICTION
Nigeria 1-0 Benin
