As Super Eagles Chase Miracle, See Where To Watch Nigeria Vs Benin 2026 World Cup Qualifiers
All eyes will be on the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo this evening as the Super Eagles of Nigeria face the Cheetahs of the Benin Republic in a decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying clash that could shape the destiny of two nations.
Kick-off is scheduled for 5 p.m. Nigerian time, and fans can watch the Super Eagles vs Benin Republic clash live on DStv (SuperSport), StarTimes, Sporty TV, FIFA+, and beIN Sports.
Nigeria’s qualification hopes hang by a thread. The Super Eagles sit third in Group C with 14 points from nine games, trailing South Africa by one point and leaders Benin Republic by three.
Having missed out on the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Nigeria are desperate to avoid back-to-back absences from football’s biggest stage for the first time since their debut in 1994.
TGM reports that the Super Eagles must beat the Benin Republic and hope that South Africa fail to defeat Rwanda in Mbombela before they can automatically qualify from Group C.
For the Benin Republic, the equation is simple. Sitting top of the table with 17 points, a win in Uyo would send Gernot Rohr’s men to their first-ever FIFA World Cup. Even a draw could be enough if South Africa slip up.
Rohr, who managed Nigeria between 2016 and 2021, now stands on the opposite touchline, aiming to complete a footballing fairy tale at the expense of his former team.
Super Eagles Out for Redemption
Nigeria arrived in Uyo on the back of a 2-1 win over Lesotho on Friday, with William Troost-Ekong and debutant Akor Adams finding the net. Yet, despite that victory, the Super Eagles’ fate no longer lies entirely in their hands.
Still, Nigeria can take comfort in history. In 19 previous meetings between Nigeria and the Benin Republic, the Super Eagles have won 14, drawn 3, and lost just 2. Their last encounter in the qualifiers ended in a 2-1 defeat in Cotonou, Benin’s first-ever win over Nigeria in eight attempts.
Key Absentees and Expected Starters
Nigeria will be without Ademola Lookman, who is suspended after picking up a yellow card against Lesotho, while defenders Ola Aina and Bright Osayi-Samuel are ruled out through injury.
In their absence, Victor Osimhen is expected to lead the attack, supported by Moses Simon and Samuel Chukwueze on the wings. Alex Iwobi will anchor the midfield, while Troost-Ekong and Calvin Bassey are set to marshal the defence in front of Stanley Nwabali.
Benin will also be missing key players: Yohan Roche and Sessi D’Almeida, both suspended, but Rohr is likely to stick with the side that defeated Rwanda, with Steve Mounie spearheading the attack and Marcel Dandjinou in goal.
