The Super Eagles of Nigeria take on the Cheetahs of Benin Republic in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying showdown at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, Soccernet.ng reports.
After a frustrating start to the qualifiers, Nigeria know that nothing short of victory will keep their World Cup hopes alive.
Nigeria Benin | 5pm (NGA) | #NGABEN pic.twitter.com/ohka0L0Apq
— Soccernet.ng (@soccernet_ng) October 14, 2025
The Super Eagles currently sit third in Group C with 14 points, trailing leaders Benin and second-placed South Africa, who are separated by just a few points heading into the final round of fixtures.
William Troost-Ekong, Victor Osimhen, and other key players will be expected to rise to the occasion against a Benin side that has been one of the biggest surprises of the campaign under former Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr.
The Cheetahs top the group with 17 points and need just a win to secure qualification for their first-ever World Cup.
The 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) champions, meanwhile, will have to do without winger Ademola Lookman, who is suspended after picking up a yellow card against Lesotho.
The stakes couldn’t be higher as both teams battle for a ticket to North America 2026.
Follow Soccernet.ng for minute-by-minute updates and key moments from Uyo.
- Victor Osimhen 3′
- Victor Osimhen 37′
- Victor Osimhen 51′
- Frank Onyeka 90′
- Semi Ajayi 55′
- Steve Mounie 43′
- Olivier Verdon 49′
- Mohamed Tijani 50′
- Dokou Dodo 53′
- Cedric Hountondji 77′
- Junior Olaitan 87′
- Summary
- Lineups
- Team Stats
Nigeria
23
Nwabili
2
Fredrick
6
Ajayi
21
Bassey
3
Sanusi
11
Chukwueze
4
Ndidi
17
Iwobi
15
Simon
9
Osimhen
20
Adams
- Coach
-
Eric Chelle
0
- Substitutes
-
Adebayo Adeleye
1
-
Amas Obasogie
16
-
William Troost-Ekong
5
-
Frank Onyeka
8
-
Tolu Arokodare
10
-
Sopuruchukwu Onyemaechi
13
-
Alhassan Yusuf
14
-
Christantus Uche
18
-
Terem Moffi
19
-
Olakunle Olusegun
22
Benin
1
Dandjinou
3
Ouorou
4
Hountondji
13
Tijani
12
Kiki
19
Dodo
6
Verdon
8
Imourane
10
Tosin
9
Mounie
17
Hountondji
- Coach
-
Gernot Rohr
0
- Substitutes
-
Saturnin Allagbe
16
-
Serge Obassa
23
-
Rodrigue Fassinou
2
-
Olatoundji Tessilimi
5
-
Matteo Ahlinvi
7
-
Razack Rachidou
11
-
Mariano Ahouangbo
14
-
Romaric Amoussou
15
-
Junior Olaitan
18
-
Jodel Dossou
20
-
Rodrigue Kossi Fiogbe
21
-
Attidjikou Samadou
22
NIG
4
– 0
BEN
14/10/2025
BEN
1
– 1
NIG
14/11/2024
NIG
3
– 0
BEN
07/09/2024
BEN
2
– 1
NIG
10/06/2024
