Matchup: Nigeria vs Benin
Event: CAF qualifiers for the FIFA 2026 World Cup
Venue: Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, Nigeria
Date & Time: Tuesday at 6pm local time (16:00 GMT)
Coverage: Tune in to Al Jazeera Sport from 13:00 GMT for pre-match analysis, followed by live text commentary throughout the game.
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In a decisive final group stage clash of the FIFA World Cup 2026 CAF qualifiers, Nigeria will host Benin, aiming to snatch direct qualification from the current Group C leaders.
The Super Eagles face a daunting challenge: trailing Benin by three points and two goals in goal difference, Nigeria must secure a victory to keep their World Cup hopes alive-either by topping the group or finishing as one of the best runners-up, which could lead to a spot in the intercontinental playoff in November for a potential 10th African berth.
Benin’s path is clearer: a win or even a draw against the three-time African champions would mark a historic first-ever World Cup qualification for the Cheetahs. Even if they lose, provided South Africa falters in their final match, Benin could still clinch direct qualification.
Below is a comprehensive guide to everything you need to know ahead of this crucial Group C finale between Nigeria and Benin:
Current Standings in Group C: Where Do Nigeria and Benin Stand?
Following a recent FIFA ruling that docked South Africa three points for fielding an ineligible player, Benin surged to the top of Group C. Their lead was solidified after a goalless draw against bottom-ranked Zimbabwe on matchday nine.
Both Benin and Nigeria secured wins on the ninth matchday-Benin edged Rwanda 1-0, while Nigeria overcame Lesotho 2-1.
A victory for Benin in Uyo would guarantee their debut World Cup appearance, whereas any other result could open the door for South Africa or Nigeria to overtake them.
Matchday 10 fixtures, including this pivotal encounter, will kick off simultaneously.
- Benin: 17 points (+5 goal difference)
- South Africa: 15 points (+3 goal difference)
- Nigeria: 14 points (+3 goal difference)
- Rwanda: 11 points (-1 goal difference)
- Lesotho: 9 points (-4 goal difference)
- Zimbabwe: 5 points (-6 goal difference)
What Caused the Nigerian Team’s Emergency Plane Landing?
On their journey from South Africa to Uyo for the final qualifier, the Nigerian squad’s flight encountered an unexpected emergency landing in Angola, according to team media officials.
The plane departed from Polokwane, South Africa, with a scheduled refueling stop in Luanda, Angola. However, shortly after resuming the flight, the pilot had to return to Luanda due to a significant crack developing on the aircraft’s windshield, disrupting what had been a smooth trip.
Why Did South Africa Lose Points in Group C World Cup Qualifiers?
South Africa’s World Cup qualifying campaign suffered a major setback last month when FIFA penalized them by deducting three points for fielding an ineligible player, jeopardizing their chances of reaching the 2026 finals and benefiting their Group C rivals, Benin and Nigeria.
The disciplinary committee ruled that midfielder Teboho Mokoena should have been suspended for accumulating two yellow cards in previous qualifiers but was mistakenly played in a 2-0 home victory over Lesotho in March.
Consequently, Lesotho was awarded a 3-0 win, and South Africa lost the points.
At the time of the ruling on September 29, South Africa still led the group with 14 points, narrowly ahead of Benin on goal difference. Following the penultimate round, South Africa drew their match while Benin won, allowing Benin to move two points clear with one game remaining.
When Did Nigeria and Benin Last Face Each Other?
On June 10, 2024, Benin secured a 2-1 victory over Nigeria in a FIFA World Cup qualifier held at Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.
Nigeria’s Raphael Onyedika opened the scoring in the 27th minute, but Benin responded with two first-half goals from Jodel Dossou and a decisive strike by Steve Mounie to claim the win.
Number of African Teams Qualifying for FIFA World Cup 2026
The African qualification process features nine groups, each comprising six teams.
The nine group winners earn direct qualification to the World Cup, while the four best runners-up enter an intercontinental playoff, competing for a potential 10th African slot at the tournament.
So far, five African nations-Algeria, Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, and Tunisia-have secured their places for the 2026 World Cup in North America. The remaining four spots will be finalized on Tuesday.
Key CAF World Cup 2026 qualification dates:
- Group Stage (First Round): November 15, 2023 – October 14, 2025, featuring 54 teams.
- Second Round: November 10-18, 2025, where the top four runners-up face off in semifinals and finals to determine who advances to the intercontinental playoff.
Will Victor Osimhen Feature for Nigeria Against Benin?
After recovering from injury, Nigeria’s star striker Victor Osimhen was recalled for the recent qualifier against Lesotho and is expected to start against Benin on Tuesday.
Osimhen, who plays for Galatasaray in Turkey, acknowledges Nigeria’s underdog status heading into this crucial match.
“Benin are the favorites, and we come into this game as underdogs. Our performances haven’t met our standards, and things haven’t clicked,” he admitted.
“We can’t make promises to our supporters, but we will give everything on the pitch. This group has been unpredictable, and we hope it’s our turn to come out on top if we do our part. I’m not happy with how we’ve represented our country so far.”
Nigeria Team Update
Coach Eric Chele faces a significant setback as Ademola Lookman, the 2024 African Ballon d’Or recipient, will miss the match against Benin due to suspension.
Lookman, who plays for Atalanta Bergamo in Italy, received his second booking in two games during Nigeria’s 2-0 victory over Lesotho, resulting in a one-match ban.
Additionally, defender Ola Aina remains sidelined for a second consecutive match as he recovers from an injury sustained against South Africa on September 9.
Chele is expected to line up his team in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Osimhen leading the attack as the lone striker.
Benin Team Update
Benin’s coach Gernot Rohr has a fully fit squad available for the clash with Nigeria.
Rohr typically opts for a 4-2-3-1 setup, with Steve Mounie spearheading the attack. Andreas Hountondji and Jodel Dossou are expected to play pivotal roles just behind the striker.
The defensive line remains consistent from their recent narrow 1-0 victory over Rwanda in Kigali, featuring Tamimou Ouorou, Olivier Verdon, Yohan Roche, and Mohamed Tijani, with Marcel Dandjinou guarding the goal.
Nigeria’s FIFA World Cup History
Nigeria has participated in six FIFA World Cup tournaments but was absent from the most recent edition in Qatar 2022.
Projected Starting Lineups
Nigeria: Nwabali (GK); Troost-Ekong, Fredrick, Bassey, Onyemaechi; Ndidi, Iwobi; Chukwueze, Simon; Osimhen, Arokodare
Benin: Dandjinou (GK); Ouorou, Verdon, Tijani, Roche; D’Almeida, Imourane; Dossou, Dokou, Hountondji; Mounie
Head-to-Head Record
Since 2004, Nigeria and Benin have clashed 12 times across various competitions.
Nigeria has emerged victorious in nine encounters, Benin has won twice, and one match ended in a draw.
Recent Form
Nigeria: Loss – Win – Win – Draw – Win (most recent last)
Benin: Loss – Loss – Win – Win – Win
Coaches’ Perspectives
Eric Chele, Nigeria Head Coach:
“Losing Ademola Lookman to suspension is unfortunate, but our squad has the resilience and quality to secure a win,” Chele stated.
Gernot Rohr, Benin Head Coach:
“The final in Uyo will be a thrilling encounter. Qualification is within our grasp, which is remarkable considering Nigeria and South Africa are behind us,” Rohr commented.
“However, everything can change in a single match, especially the last one. We remain humble and understand that playing in Nigeria will be more challenging than in Rwanda. We are prepared for that.”
