Nigeria will take on Benin Republic in a crucial final Group C clash of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Tuesday, October 14, 2025. The Super Eagles will be aiming for a win to boost their chances of securing a ticket to the 2026 World Cup next year.
This comes after a dramatic travel delay as the team’s chartered ValueJet aircraft was forced to make an emergency landing in Angola due to a cracked windscreen en route from Polokwane to Uyo. Fortunately, the issue was resolved, and the team safely arrived in Uyo on Sunday morning to continue preparations for the high-stakes encounter.
Benin currently lead Group C with 17 points after nine games, while Nigeria sit in third with 14 points. The Super Eagles must win by at least two goals and hope that South Africa fail to beat Rwanda in the group’s other fixture to seal an automatic World Cup qualification spot.
Match Details
Competition: 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers (CAF, Group C)
Date: Tuesday, 14 October 2025
Kickoff Time: 17:00 local time (16:00 GMT)
Venue: Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, Nigeria
TV & Streaming: NTA Sports 24, SuperSport 14 Africa
Head-to-Head (H2H) Record
Nigeria and Benin have met several times in recent years, with the Super Eagles maintaining historical dominance. However, Benin’s recent resurgence under Gernot Rohr has added new tension to this West African rivalry.
Last 5 Meetings:
• November 2024: Benin 1–1 Nigeria (AFCON Qualifiers)
• September 2024: Nigeria 3–0 Benin (AFCON Qualifiers)
• June 2024: Benin 2–1 Nigeria (World Cup Qualifier)
• March 2021: Benin 0–1 Nigeria (AFCON Qualifier)
• November 2019: Nigeria 2–1 Benin (AFCON Qualifier)
Overall Record: Nigeria – 3 wins | Draw – 1 | Benin – 1 win
Nigeria Team News
Nigeria approach this game knowing that only a win will keep their World Cup dream alive. The Super Eagles defeated Lesotho 2–1 last Friday, thanks to goals from William Troost-Ekong and Akor Adams, but they face a tougher test against Benin. Coach Eric Chelle will be without Atalanta winger Ademola Lookman, who is suspended after receiving a yellow card in the last match. Right-back Ola Aina also remains sidelined with injury.
Nigeria are expected to stick with the same starting lineup that secured victory over Lesotho, except for Lookman’s absence. Akor Adams, who came off the bench to score the winning goal in that game, is expected to replace Tolu Arokodare in the starting eleven.
Nigeria Predicted Lineup (4-3-3):
GK: Stanley Nwabali
RB: Benjamin Fredrick
CB: William Troost-Ekong (C)
CB: Calvin Bassey
LB: Bruno Onyemaechi
CDM: Wilfred Ndidi
CM: Alex Iwobi
CM: Frank Onyeka
RW: Moses Simon
LW: Akor Adams
ST: Victor Osimhen
Benin Team News
Benin Republic enter this fixture as Group C leaders under former Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr. Les Guépards have impressed throughout the qualifiers, showing defensive organization and tactical maturity. Their recent 1–0 win over Rwanda, sealed by Tosin Aiyegun’s goal, has positioned them on the brink of a historic World Cup qualification.
Steve Mounie remains Benin’s primary attacking outlet, supported by Jodel Dossou and Cedric Hountondji on the flanks. At the back, Olivier Verdon and Mohamed Tijani will anchor a disciplined defense that has conceded only seven goals in nine games.
Benin Predicted Lineup (4-3-3):
GK: Marcel Dandjinou
RB: Tamimou Ouorou
CB: Olivier Verdon
CB: Mohamed Tijani
LB: Yohan Roche
CM: Sessi D’Almeida
CM: Imourane Halid
CM: Rodrigue Dodo
RW: Jodel Dossou
LW: Cèdric Hountondji
ST: Steve Mounié
Key Players to Watch
Nigeria:
• Victor Osimhen – The Napoli striker will lead the attack and is Nigeria’s top scorer in the qualifiers.
• Akor Adams – He will be expected to pair with Osimhen, who gave him an assist against Lesotho.
Benin:
• Steve Mounie – Aerially dominant and clinical in the box, he remains Benin’s main attacking threat.
• Olivier Verdon – The central defender has been rock-solid at the back.
Stats to Watch
• Nigeria are unbeaten in their last four matches in all competitions.
• Benin have won their last three qualifiers without conceding.
• Nigeria have won three of their last five meetings against Benin.
Related:
Predictions
With everything on the line, this promises to be a tense and tactical battle. Benin only need a draw to secure qualification, while Nigeria must win and hope other results go their way. Despite the recent setback in their travel schedule, the Super Eagles superior attacking options could make the difference in Uyo.
Predicted Score: Nigeria 2–0 Benin
Betting Tips
• Nigeria to Win – The Super Eagles are expected to rise to the occasion at home.
• Victor Osimhen to Score Anytime.
• Under 3.5 Goals – Both sides are likely to approach the game cautiously given the stakes.
Can the Super Eagles rise to the occasion and secure qualification for the 2026 World Cup? Share your predictions below.
Nigeria will win by two goals, hopefully South Africa draw or loose to Rwanda