Super Eagles of Nigeria will face the Cheetahs of Benin in a decisive 2026 World Cup qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Tuesday, with both teams still in contention for a ticket to North America.
Benin currently top Group C, and a draw could be enough to see them through if Rwanda manage to hold South Africa in the other fixture.
However, Nigeria could still qualify if they defeat Benin and South Africa fail to win in Kigali.
Nigeria vs Benin: When is the kick-off time?
The crucial Super Eagles vs Benin clash kicks off at 17:00 (Nigeria time) on Tuesday, 14 October 2025, at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
Both sides enter the contest buoyed by victories in their last matches and with everything still to play for.
Nigeria edged Lesotho 2-1 in Polokwane on Friday, thanks to goals from captain William Troost-Ekong and debutant Akor Adams.
The result lifted the Super Eagles to 14 points in Group C but left them third behind leaders Benin (17 points) and South Africa (15 points).
Super Eagles Starting XI versus Lesotho in South Africa. Photo Credit: Getty Images
For Benin, a narrow 1-0 win away to Rwanda propelled Gernot Rohr’s men to the top of the group. It was a crucial victory that means the Cheetahs now control their World Cup destiny.
Head-to-head record
Nigeria have dominated this fixture historically, winning 13 of their 17 previous meetings with Benin, drawing three and losing just once.
That lone defeat came in March 2024, when Benin staged a comeback to beat the Super Eagles 2-1 in Abidjan.
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Since then, the two sides have met twice in Africa Cup of Nations qualifying – Nigeria won the first leg 3-0 and drew the second 1-1.
Form guide
Nigeria are unbeaten in their last five matches, with two wins and three draws, including a narrow 1-0 victory over Rwanda in Uyo last time out.
Benin have also shown impressive form under German coach Gernot Rohr, claiming three wins from their last five qualifiers.
Rohr, who managed Nigeria between 2016 and 2021, has transformed Benin into a more organised and disciplined side.
Team news
Nigeria will be without winger Ademola Lookman, who is suspended after accumulating yellow cards. Injuries have also ruled out Ola Aina, Cyriel Dessers and Raphael Onyedika.
Ademola Lookman scored a brace the last time both nations met. Photo Credit: The Athletic Images
Benin will miss defenders Yohan Roche and Sessi D’Almeida through suspension, while Abdoul Moumini, Junior Olaitan and Rodolfo Aloko are sidelined with injuries.
Qualification scenarios: Who goes through?
With just one automatic qualifying ticket up for grabs, Tuesday’s games promise drama across Group C.
If Benin beat Nigeria, they will seal a historic qualification regardless of other results. Nigeria, on the other hand, must win and hope that South Africa fail to beat Rwanda.
Interestingly, if South Africa triumph and Nigeria also win, it will be Bafana Bafana and not the Super Eagles who qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
The Eagles will have to settle for 2nd position in this scenario and hope results from other games involving Cameroon, DR Congo and Uganda favour them in the Second place ranking for the play offs.
Standings based on CAF updates as of 13 October 2025. Image Credit: Flashscore
It means the three-way race for qualification could go down to the final minutes of both games.
Benin’s Cheetahs arrived in Uyo on Saturday ahead of the clash.
What to expect
Nigeria are favourites on paper, but recent performances suggest they may struggle to break down a compact Benin side that thrives on counter-attacks.
Rohr’s knowledge of the Super Eagles could be an advantage for the visitors, as he worked with many of the Nigerian players during his five-year spell in charge.
Former Super Eagles gaffer Gernot Rohr. Photo Credit: Getty Images
A tight contest is expected, but Nigeria’s superior quality could prove decisive if they take their chances.
Nigeria vs Benin: Where to watch
Fans can watch the match live on SuperSport Football and SuperSport Variety channels across DStv and GOtv platforms.
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In Nigeria, the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) is also expected to broadcast the game.
