As the curtain draws on the first round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup African qualifiers, Group C promises a dramatic finale. On Tuesday, all eyes will turn to the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, where Nigeria’s Super Eagles host the Cheetahs of Benin in a decisive encounter that could determine Africa’s final automatic qualifier for the tournament in North America.
For Nigeria, a footballing powerhouse with a rich World Cup history, this match is nothing short of a must-win battle. For Benin, it’s a chance to etch their name into football history with a maiden World Cup qualification.
The Stakes Couldn’t Be Higher
Benin enter the final matchday atop Group C with 17 points and a +5 goal difference, just ahead of South Africa (15 points, +3 GD) and Nigeria (14 points, +3 GD).
A victory or even a draw for Benin would secure them a historic ticket to their first-ever FIFA World Cup finals. Nigeria, on the other hand, must win — and win convincingly — to leapfrog their West African neighbors and clinch the top spot or, at the very least, remain in contention for an interconfederation playoff spot in November.
Tuesday’s fixtures across the continent will be played simultaneously, amplifying the tension as teams vie for one of Africa’s nine direct World Cup slots.
The Story So Far: How Group C Reached Boiling Point
The battle for Group C supremacy has been turbulent and unpredictable.
Just weeks ago, South Africa appeared set to dominate the group until FIFA handed them a three-point deduction for fielding an ineligible player, midfielder Teboho Mokoena, in a 2-0 victory over Lesotho. The sanction reshaped the standings, breathing new life into Benin’s and Nigeria’s qualification hopes.
Since then, Benin have capitalized brilliantly, earning a crucial 1-0 victory over Rwanda in Kigali and maintaining composure under mounting pressure. Nigeria, meanwhile, endured an inconsistent campaign marked by missed chances and defensive lapses, yet managed to stay alive with a gritty 2-0 win against Lesotho on Friday.
Nigeria’s Turbulent Journey
Nigeria’s road to this point has been anything but smooth. Once perennial favorites to qualify for every World Cup, the Super Eagles have battled inconsistency, injury woes, and off-pitch distractions throughout this qualifying cycle.
In a bizarre twist, the team’s plane was forced to make an emergency landing in Angola on Saturday after a cracked windshield disrupted what was meant to be a routine flight from South Africa to Uyo. Thankfully, no injuries occurred, but the incident added yet another layer of adversity to a campaign already marred by unpredictability.
Head coach Eric Chele now faces the challenge of rallying his squad in a do-or-die encounter, with the weight of a football-obsessed nation resting heavily on their shoulders.
Key Players and Team News
Nigeria
The Super Eagles received a major boost with the return of star striker Victor Osimhen, who has recovered from injury just in time for the showdown. The Galatasaray forward, known for his relentless energy and goal-scoring prowess, has openly acknowledged Nigeria’s underdog status heading into the match.
“Against Benin, we will be underdogs,” Osimhen said. “But we will fight. This group keeps on giving – it doesn’t stop. We hope it will be our turn to be on top on Tuesday if we play our part as players.”
However, Nigeria will be without Ademola Lookman, the 2024 African Ballon d’Or winner, who is suspended after picking up a second yellow card in the match against Lesotho. The absence of the Atalanta winger leaves a creative gap in Nigeria’s attack.
Defender Ola Aina also remains sidelined through injury, forcing Chele to rely on the likes of Calvin Bassey, William Troost-Ekong, and Wilfred Ndidi to anchor a backline that must stay disciplined against Benin’s physical forwards.
Expected formation: 4-2-3-1
- Nwabali (GK)
- Troost-Ekong, Fredrick, Bassey, Onyemaechi
- Ndidi, Iwobi
- Chukwueze, Simon, Arokodare
- Osimhen
Benin
For Benin, head coach Gernot Rohr — a familiar face to Nigerian fans after managing the Super Eagles from 2016 to 2021 — will relish the opportunity to make history against his former team.
Rohr has a fully fit squad to choose from and is expected to stick with his successful 4-2-3-1 setup. Steve Mounie, whose decisive goal sank Nigeria 2-1 in Abidjan last year, leads the line, supported by Jodel Dossou, Andreas Hountondji, and Rodrigue Dokou.
At the back, the quartet of Ouorou, Verdon, Roche, and Tijani will look to maintain the discipline that has been the hallmark of Benin’s campaign, with Marcel Dandjinou guarding the goal.
Expected formation: 4-2-3-1
- Dandjinou (GK)
- Ouorou, Verdon, Tijani, Roche
- D’Almeida, Imourane
- Dossou, Dokou, Hountondji
- Mounie
Head-to-Head Record
Nigeria and Benin share a regional rivalry steeped in familiarity and pride. Since 2004, the two nations have clashed 12 times across all competitions. Nigeria hold the upper hand with nine victories, while Benin have triumphed twice, with one draw between them.
Their most recent encounter came in June 2024, when Benin shocked Nigeria 2-1 in Abidjan — a result that ignited belief in Benin’s ability to compete with Africa’s elite.
Coaches’ Corner
Eric Chele (Nigeria):
“The suspension of Ademola Lookman is unfortunate, but the team has the strength and character to win. We know what is at stake — nothing less than our World Cup dream.”
Gernot Rohr (Benin):
“It’s in our hands, which is incredible when you see Nigeria and South Africa behind us. But we must remain humble. It will be harder in Uyo than in Rwanda, but this team believes.”
Africa’s Qualification Picture
Africa will send nine teams directly to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with a possible tenth spot decided through an intercontinental playoff.
As of now, Algeria, Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, and Tunisia have secured qualification. That leaves four more coveted tickets, with Nigeria, Benin, and South Africa among those still battling for a place.
What’s Next
Kickoff in Uyo is set for 6:00 PM local time (16:00 GMT). Al Jazeera Sport will provide build-up from 13:00 GMT, with live text commentary and post-match analysis.
For Benin, this is a chance to make history. For Nigeria, it’s an opportunity for redemption — a moment to reclaim their place among Africa’s footballing giants.
One game, one destiny. The road to North America passes through Uyo.
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