Joel Ajayi
As the race for a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup reaches its climax, the Super Eagles of Nigeria face a must-win encounter against the Cheetahs of Benin Republic today at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo. With their World Cup hopes hanging by a thread, Nigeria must not only secure victory but also pray that South Africa falters against Rwanda in Nelspruit.
Group C leaders Benin Republic, with 17 points, have destiny in their hands. A win—or even a draw, depending on results elsewhere—will seal their first-ever qualification for the FIFA World Cup. Under the guidance of former Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr, the Cheetahs have impressed throughout the campaign and now stand just one step away from history.
For Nigeria, the stakes could not be higher. The Super Eagles, who sit third in the group with 14 points, have never missed two consecutive World Cup finals since their debut appearance in 1994. They remain the only team among the top three contenders to have lost just once in the qualifiers, compared to Benin and South Africa, who have each suffered two defeats.
Head coach Eric Sekou Chelle has urged his players to give everything on the pitch, emphasizing that a convincing win is non-negotiable. “We will fight till the end. The Super Eagles have the pedigree and experience to deliver when it matters most,” he said.
Captain William Troost-Ekong, who is set to earn his 83rd international cap, and midfielder Alex Iwobi, closing in on his 89th appearance, are among the experienced names expected to lead Nigeria’s charge. Both featured in the 2018 World Cup and are desperate to return to football’s grandest stage.
Meanwhile, key players such as Victor Osimhen, the reigning Africa Player of the Year, alongside Simon Moses, Samuel Chukwueze, Calvin Bassey, and Ademola Lookman, are aiming for their first-ever World Cup appearance. Lookman, however, will miss the match due to suspension, while Ola Aina and Bright Osayi-Samuel are ruled out through injury—further compounding Nigeria’s selection headache.
The Cheetahs will also be without central defender Yohan Roche and midfielder Sessi d’Almeida, both suspended for the encounter. Still, Rohr’s men are brimming with confidence and will be backed by their nation of over 11 million people hoping to witness a historic qualification.
Nigeria, boasting a far richer pedigree with 20 Africa Cup of Nations appearances and three continental titles, will rely on experience and attacking firepower to overcome Benin’s resilience.
A two-goal win for Nigeria, combined with a failure by South Africa to defeat Rwanda, will send the Super Eagles soaring to their seventh World Cup appearance in the USA, Canada, and Mexico next summer.
For millions of Nigerian fans, today’s clash is not just another qualifier—it is a battle for pride, history, and redemption. The Super Eagles must rise to the occasion or risk watching the World Cup from the sidelines once again.
