Nigeria face ‘Do-or-Die’ clash against Benin as World Cup hopes hang

Decisive Night in Uyo

Nigeria’s Super Eagles are set for a crucial showdown against Group C leaders Benin Republic on Tuesday evening at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, in a match that could determine their 2026 FIFA World Cup fate.

With qualification hopes hanging by a thread, the Super Eagles must deliver a convincing win and hope for a favourable result elsewhere to keep their World Cup dream alive.

Qualification Scenarios

Nigeria currently sit third in Group C with 14 points from nine matches (three wins, five draws, and one defeat), trailing Benin by three points and South Africa by one.

To qualify automatically, Eric Chelle’s men must beat Benin by at least three clear goals and hope South Africa fail to beat Rwanda in Nelspruit.

The stakes could not be higher for the three-time African champions, who are desperate to avoid missing consecutive World Cups for the first time in history. Since their debut at the USA 1994, Nigeria have featured at six World Cup finals — 1994, 1998, 2002, 2010, 2014, and 2018 — reaching the Round of 16 on three occasions.

Pressure After Qatar 2022 World Cup Heartbreak

After the heartbreak of missing the 2022 edition in Qatar, losing the playoff ticket to Ghana, the Super Eagles are under intense pressure to avoid another setback. The players and coaching crew know that anything short of victory in Uyo could end their World Cup ambitions once again.

Benin on the Brink of World Cup History

Benin, meanwhile, are on the verge of making history. Under former Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr, the Cheetahs have emerged as one of the surprise packages of the qualifiers, collecting 17 points from nine games (five wins, two draws, and two losses).

They have scored 12 goals and conceded just seven, with a solid defence proving key to their campaign. Their narrow 1-0 victory over Rwanda in the previous round, courtesy of Tosin Aiyegun’s strike, lifted them to the top of the group and within touching distance of their maiden World Cup appearance.

Chelle Rallies Fans for Support

Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle and captain William Troost-Ekong have called on Nigerians to fill the stadium and rally behind the team ahead of the decisive fixture.

“We need our fans to be behind us and make it tough for Benin. This is a World Cup qualifier; the game starts the moment they step into our country. We must do the job on the pitch,” Chelle said.

African Qualification Picture

So far, six African nations- Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, Ghana, and Cape Verde- have already secured their tickets to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. That leaves three automatic spots and one intercontinental playoff slot still available.

For Nigeria, everything comes down to ninety tense minutes in Uyo, a defining night that could either reignite their World Cup journey or plunge the Super Eagles into another era of regret.

Anthony Nlebem

Head of Sports at BusinessDay Media, a seasoned Digital Content Producer, and FIFA/CAF Accredited Journalist with over a decade of sports reporting.Has a deep understanding of the Nigerian and global sports landscape and skills in delivering comprehensive and insightful sports content.