Super Eagles, Cheetahs set for crucial clash

Nigeria and Benin will face off in a crucial Group C 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier, as both teams chase a berth at the global tournament in North America. Their clash is set for the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo tomorrow at 6 p.m.

Benin hold a two-point lead over South Africa at the top of Group C after a clutch 1-0 away win over Rwanda in Kigali on Friday evening, as Tosin Aiyegun struck with 10 minutes of injury time remaining. The Cheetahs are therefore just a win away from guaranteeing top spot and a first-ever qualification to the World Cup.

However, a Nigeria win by two clear goals would see the third-placed Super Eagles go level on points with Benin and surpass them on goal difference. Provided South Africa don’t win their concurrent game at home to Rwanda, then Eric Chelle’s side would take top spot and qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 2018.

Nigeria find themselves in this position thanks to a 2-1 away win over Lesotho in Polokwane on Friday, with William Troost-Ekong and Akor Adams scoring goals for the West African heavyweights.

Nigeria coach Eric Chelle is delighted that his team is still in with a chance of automatic qualification for the World Cup.

“We’re happy because we got the three points — we’re still alive. I’m proud of my players and I want to congratulate them,” he said. “Since March, we’ve been feeling the pressure because Nigeria must qualify for the World Cup. Hopefully, other teams will start to feel that same pressure too.

“We need our fans behind us to put pressure on Benin. This is World Cup qualification — it starts the moment they arrive in our country. We must finish the job on the pitch.”

Benin coach Gernot Rohr has warned his team against counting their chickens before they hatch: “But for those who think we’re already at the World Cup because we happen to be first, we shouldn’t get too excited.”

In seeing their dream come true, Nigeria will heavily count on Akor Adams to be at his best in front of goal. A goal-scoring showing off the bench against Lesotho on Friday may be enough for Akor Adams to get a starting role against Benin. The 25-year-old Sevilla forward will hope his energy and physicality can inspire the Super Eagles to a potentially decisive victory.

Benin would also hope that Steve Mounie will be at his best. Captain and key striker, Mounie, has been fundamental to the Cheetahs coming so close to qualification, scoring five goals (the most of any player in Group C). If he can find the net again and lead Benin to a famous win, then immortality will be guaranteed for the 31-year-old forward.

The teams last met in Matchday 4 of the qualifiers back in June 2024, with Benin claiming a 2-1 ‘home’ win in Abidjan thanks to goals from Jodel Dossou and Steve Mounie. – Supersport

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