Delegations from Nigeria and the Benin Republic arrived in Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom State, yesterday in preparation for the highly anticipated Matchday 10 clash of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, set to take place at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on Tuesday.
Following Nigeria’s 2-1 victory over Lesotho in Polokwane last Friday, the Super Eagles have strengthened their bid for the sole automatic qualification spot from Group C. Meanwhile, Benin Republic, currently leading the group, secured a late goal against Rwanda’s Amavubi in Kigali, earning full points and preserving their threenigeria-still-can-qualify-broos-warning-ime-okon-final-squad/” title=”South Africa's Broos Issues Stark Warning: '… Can Still Qualify' as Ime Okon Secures Spot in Final … Squad”>-point advantage over Nigeria.
Nigeria’s goals came courtesy of captain William Ekong, who converted a penalty, and debutant Jerome Akor Adams, securing a crucial win at the Peter Mokaba Stadium. As 2024 AFCON runners-up, the Super Eagles now face the challenge of defeating their western neighbors by at least two goals. Additionally, they will rely on South Africa failing to overcome Rwanda in Nelspruit on the same matchday to clinch the automatic qualification slot to the North American tournament.
This scenario echoes past qualification campaigns in 2001 and 2009, both of which saw Nigeria ultimately secure their place at the World Cup finals.
In 2001, after suffering away defeats to Liberia and Sierra Leone, Nigeria found themselves in a difficult position, needing victories in their remaining three fixtures. They responded emphatically by beating group leaders Liberia 2-0 in Port Harcourt, routing Sudan 4-0 in Omdurman, and then overpowering Ghana’s Black Stars 3-0 at home, thereby booking their ticket to the Korea/Japan 2002 World Cup.
Similarly, in 2009, Tunisia dominated the group for much of the campaign. Nigeria’s hopes were kept alive by an injury-time goal from Obinna Nsofor against Mozambique in Abuja. On the decisive final day, Nigeria required a win over Kenya in Nairobi and for Tunisia to drop points against Mozambique in Maputo. The Eagles narrowly defeated the Harambee Stars 3-2 at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, while Mozambique scored late to deny Tunisia victory, allowing Nigeria to advance.
Currently, the determined Benin squad, nicknamed the Cheetahs and coached by Franco-German strategist Gernot Rohr-who previously led Nigeria at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia-holds 17 points atop the group.
Tuesday’s high-stakes encounter will be officiated by Egyptian referee Amin Mohamed Omar. He will be supported by fellow Egyptians Mahmoud Abouelregal and Ahmed Tawfik Ali as assistant referees, with Mahmoud Moustafa Elbana serving as the fourth official. Additional match officials include Jason Joseph Damoo from Seychelles as referee assessor, Ghanaian Prosper Harrison Addo as commissioner, and Xolile Vilakati from eSwatini overseeing security.
