By - Fixture: Nigeria vs Benin
- Competition: CAF qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
- Venue: Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, Nigeria
- Date & Time: Tuesday, 6:00 p.m. local time (4:00 p.m. GMT)
Nigeria will host Benin in the final matchday of the CAF first round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, as they aim to snatch direct qualification from the Group C leaders.
The Super Eagles face a huge challenge, Benin currently sit three points ahead and also hold a two-goal advantage in goal difference. This means Nigeria must win to keep their qualification hopes alive, either by finishing top of the group or earning a spot in November’s intercontinental playoff for Africa’s potential 10th World Cup place.
Victor Osimhen will be hoping to guide Nigeria to entry into the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the final match day against the leaders Benin
For Benin, the situation is simpler, a win or draw against the three-time African champions would secure their first ever World Cup appearance. Even if they lose, they could still qualify directly if South Africa fail to win their final match.
Here’s what to know ahead of this decisive Group C clash between Nigeria and Benin:
Nigeria and Benin Current stand in Group C
Last month, Benin caught up with then leaders South Africa after FIFA deducted three points from Bafana Bafana for fielding an ineligible player earlier in the campaign. Benin then moved top of the table on Friday after South Africa were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by bottom placed Zimbabwe on matchday nine.
Both Benin and Nigeria secured victories on matchday nine of the CAF World Cup qualifiers, Benin edged Rwanda 1-0, while Nigeria beat Lesotho 2-1. A win for Benin in Uyo would seal their first ever World Cup appearance. Anything less could open the door for Nigeria or South Africa to overtake them in Group C. All final group games will be played simultaneously on Tuesday.
- Benin: 17 points (+5 GD)
- South Africa: 15 points (+3 GD)
- Nigeria: 14 points (+3 GD)
- Rwanda: 11 points (–1 GD)
- Lesotho: 9 points (–4 GD)
- Zimbabwe: 5 points (–6 GD)
Benin are the most favourable in Group C for direct qualification into the FIFA 2026 World Cup finals
Nigerian team’s plane make an emergency landing
The Super Eagles’ flight from South Africa to Uyo had to make an emergency landing in Angola after the pilot noticed a crack on the aircraft’s windshield. The team had stopped in Luanda to refuel when the issue was discovered, forcing the pilot to turn back for safety reasons. Thankfully, everyone on board was safe, and arrangements were made for the players to continue their journey later.
South Africa’s points deduction explained
South Africa were docked three points last month for fielding ineligible midfielder Teboho Mokoena in their 2–0 win over Lesotho. FIFA awarded the match 3–0 to Lesotho, damaging South Africa’s qualification hopes and boosting those of Benin and Nigeria.
At that point, South Africa still led the group with 14 points but were later overtaken by Benin, who won their next fixture while South Africa were held to a draw.
Previous meeting
Benin players celebrating their victory after beating Nigeria 2-1 in the FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifier Group C match in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.
Benin defeated Nigeria 2–1 in their earlier qualifier on June 10, 2024, in Abidjan. Raphael Onyedika gave Nigeria the lead, but first-half goals from Jodel Dossou and Steve Mounié earned the Cheetahs a comeback victory.
African qualification format
Nine African teams will qualify directly for the 2026 World Cup, one from each CAF group. The four best runners-up will compete in a playoff for the chance to claim a possible 10th African slot through the intercontinental playoffs.
Five teams, Algeria, Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, and Tunisia have already booked their tickets, with four more spots up for grabs on Tuesday.
Nigeria will be without Ademola Lookman, who is suspended after receiving his second yellow card of the campaign in the win over Lesotho.
Defender Ola Aina also remains sidelined with injury; “Losing Lookman is a blow, but the team has the strength and belief to get the result we need.” Coach Eric Chele said.
Coach Eric Chele is expected to use a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Victor Osimhen leading the attack after returning from injury. Osimhen, now fit again, admitted the team faces an uphill task:
“We’ll be underdogs against Benin. We haven’t played to our standards, but we’ll fight and hope it’s our turn to be on top.”
Predicted lineup:
Nwabali (GK); Troost-Ekong, Fredrick, Bassey, Onyemaechi; Ndidi, Iwobi; Chukwueze, Simon; Osimhen, Arokodare
