Nigeria vs Benin Preview – Pride, Revenge, and a World Cup Ticket on the Line

• One last chance, the final dance!
• It’s the final matchday of the qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup – the world’s biggest football showpiece – and yet, there is still no confirmed spot for Nigeria’s Super Eagles.

A qualifying campaign that began as far back as November 2023 has seen the Super Eagles falter step after step, raise expectations and dash them, and remain in limbo regarding qualification, 23 months later.

Tuesday’s game against Benin Republic presents a final shot at qualification for the Super Eagles, albeit not entirely in their hands.

For Gernot Rohr, this game is not just an opportunity to make history as the first coach to take Benin to the World Cup; it’s also a chance to ‘get back’ at his former employers, Nigeria, who let him go after qualifying them for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, with 12 months left on his contract.

Since his sack, Rohr has faced Nigeria three times as Benin coach and has had a balanced record – one win, one draw, and one loss

Match Preview

Nigeria have had three coaches in these World Cup qualifiers – Portuguese coach José Peseiro, Finidi George, and now Malian coach Eric Chelle. These three coaches have only managed to gather 14 points in nine games, out of a possible 27.

The Super Eagles currently sit third in Group C, behind Benin Republic and Rwanda, three points off the top spot.

It’s been five draws, three wins, and one loss – that loss coming against today’s opponents, Gernot Rohr’s Benin Republic, in June 2024.

Since making their first World Cup appearance in 1994, Nigeria have never missed out on two consecutive World Cup editions, and they’ll be hoping that a bit of luck smiles on them as they look to maintain this record.

For Benin Republic, few would have predicted that a young and average side without ‘big names’ would be top of a group that includes Nigeria, but alas – it’s a case of expectations being surpassed.

The Cheetahs sit in pole position in Group C with 17 points from nine games, winning five games compared to Nigeria’s three, with two losses and three draws.

Benin have scored 12 goals in these qualifiers, compared to Nigeria’s 11, and have conceded seven – the same number the Super Eagles have let in. Both stats slightly favour the away side.

Past Meetings

Nigeria and Benin have faced off six times, with the Super Eagles having the upper hand with four wins, compared to Benin’s one, while one meeting ended in a draw.

Head-to-Head

Nigeria – 4 wins

Benin Republic – 1 win

Draws – 1

World Cup Chances

The road to the United States for the Super Eagles in 2026 is a very narrow one – a tight rope they must navigate carefully.

As a result of their poor form in the qualifiers, they now face a difficult path to the world’s biggest national team tournament.

First things first – Nigeria must defeat Benin Republic to stand any chance.

A win by four goals or more guarantees a spot in the intercontinental playoffs – a mini-tournament between the best second-placed teams to decide who qualifies.

Meanwhile, a win by any margin, combined with a South Africa loss to Rwanda, would see the Super Eagles qualify as group winners at the death.

It’s very much a “now or never” situation.

For Benin Republic, all they need to do is defeat Nigeria in Uyo to qualify for the World Cup as group leaders with 20 points. If they fail to do so, a draw would also see them qualify as table toppers – but only if South Africa fail to win by two goals or more against Rwanda. A tight scenario indeed.

Manager’s Thoughts

Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle said in his pre-match press conference that this game against Benin Republic is the biggest of his career and that his players will need the support of the home crowd to get it over the line.

“Tomorrow is the biggest game of my life, my career. Sometimes I’m a little bit nervous but tomorrow we will see,” Chelle remarked.

"This is not just about only the group (the players); it’s about everybody. The game starts with our fans. You need to push these guys and be with them positively, and you’ll see – these guys will play the best game of their lives.”

For Rohr, it’s a return to familiar territory, but he has stated that his side will go for three points regardless.

 “We go for the win. After the game, we stay friends,” Rohr stated.

Players to watch out for

Victor Osimhen - Nigeria 

With three goals in these qualifiers, making him Nigeria’s top scorer, Victor Osimhen’s importance cannot be overstated.

The Galatasaray striker has missed five games in the qualifiers, and the Super Eagles have failed to win four of those – a clear indicator of his influence on the team.

Osimhen not only scores goals, but his work rate and mentality often propel the Super Eagles to better performances. Many will be hoping he is at his very best against Benin.

Steve Mounié - Benin Republic 

One player to watch in the Benin squad.

As captain of the side, Mounié is Benin’s leader on and off the pitch. The Alanyaspor striker is also their main goal threat. With five goals in these World Cup qualifiers, he is Benin’s top scorer and could prove to be a thorn in the flesh for the Super Eagles' defence.

Team News

Ademola Lookman will not be in action for Nigeria against Benin as a result of accumulated yellow cards. Besides him, there are no major fitness doubts.

Gernot Rohr would be without defender Yohan Roche and midfielder Sessi D'Almeida due to accumulation of yellows.

Predicted Lineups

Nigeria (4-4-2):

Nwabali (GK); Frederick, Ekong, Bassey, Onyemaechi; Ndidi, Iwobi, Simon, Chukwueze; Osimhen, Arokodare

Benin Republic (4-2-3-1):

Dandjinou (GK); Ouorou, Verdon, Tijani, Kiki, Hountondji, Imourane; Dossou, Dokou, Hountondji; Mounie

A tough encounter awaits under the lights in Uyo – high stakes, pride, revenge, and a World Cup ticket on the line!