Next week, Nigeria’s Super Eagles are set to face Benin in their decisive match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers…
Heading into this crucial encounter, the Super Eagles receive a slight advantage as coach Gernot Rohr will be missing several key players, according to Soccernet.ng.
The concluding fixtures of the African World Cup Qualifiers are scheduled within the upcoming week, with Nigeria’s final challenge being against Benin.
Both teams have significant stakes riding on this match. Nigeria still holds a chance to qualify, contingent on favorable outcomes from other matches.
Meanwhile, Benin currently leads the group and understands that a victory over Nigeria is essential to secure their spot at the World Cup next year.
However, both squads will be missing some pivotal players for this encounter. Nigeria’s coach Eric Chelle will be without Cyriel Dessers, Ola Aina, Raphael Onyedika, Felix Agu, and Bright Osayi-Samuel due to injuries.
On the other side, reports from Benin’s Global Football reveal that coach Rohr will also face absences among his key players.
Confirmed absentees for Benin include Rachid Moumini and Rodolfo Aloko, both sidelined with injuries. Forward Andreas Hountondji is also expected to miss out due to fitness concerns.
Additionally, Junior Olaitan is nursing an injury, and his club Goztepe is hesitant to release him, worried about his readiness for international duty.
Benin Faces Greater Challenges, Nigeria’s Super Eagles Must Capitalize
While Eric Chelle’s squad will miss several players, the only guaranteed starter absent is Ola Aina. The rest are typically substitutes or squad rotation players.
Conversely, Gernot Rohr is expected to be without four of his regular starters unless there are last-minute changes before the October 14 fixture.
On paper, Nigeria holds the upper hand due to their superior squad depth and talent. With Benin missing multiple key players, the Super Eagles have a clear opportunity to assert their dominance.
Should Benin overcome Lesotho and South Africa defeat Zimbabwe in the opening matches of this international window, Nigeria’s hopes of World Cup qualification would be dashed.
By the time Nigeria hosts Benin, the three points may no longer influence their qualification fate. Nevertheless, the Super Eagles will be eager to secure a win to uphold their pride and demonstrate their true caliber on the international stage.
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