Nigeria is facing Benin in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Nigeria.
This is a must-win for Nigeria if they are to keep their hopes of qualifying alive, while Benin will see a win take them to the top of Group C. Both teams will be under pressure but confident too, and it will be a battle between Nigeria’s attacking prowess and Benin’s defensive resistance.
Match details
- Fixture: Nigeria vs Benin
- Competition: 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers (CAF — Group C)
- Venue: Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, Nigeria
- Date: Tuesday, 14 October 2025
- Kick-off: 17h00 GMT+1
How & Where to watch
In Morocco and the MENA region it will be televised on beIN Sports. The game will also be broadcast live on SuperSport (DStv), StarTimes and Sporty TV, and for fans in which do not have the exclusive media broadcast rights can watch watch the game for free on FIFA+.
Nigeria team news
Nigeria’s interim coach Eric Chelle has a difficult job to do given that some important players need to be replaced, but there are still enough options to put together a probably good team.
- Injuries / Suspensions: Ademola Lookman is suspended after accumulating two yellow cards. Ola Aina remains out injured and will miss his second straight match.
- Returning players: Victor Osimhen is back fully fit and set to lead the attack. Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, and Alex Iwobi are all available.
- Tactical tweaks: Osimhen as the lone striker and Iwobi supporting from midfield. Nigeria will press early and look to use the pace of Chukwueze and Simon down the flanks to stretch Benin’s defensive line.
Predicted lineup: Nwabali; Fredrick, Troost-Ekong, Bassey, Onyemaechi; Ndidi, Iwobi; Chukwueze, Simon; Osimhen, Arokodare
Benin team news
Coach Gernot Rohr, facing his former team, has a full selection as Benin seeks a historic qualification.
- Injuries / Suspensions: None reported.
- Tactical tweaks: Rohr will keep his usual shape with Steve Mounié as the focal point in attack. His side will stay compact defensively and look to hit Nigeria on the break through Dossou’s pace and Mounié’s aerial presence.
Predicted lineup: Dandjinou; Ouorou, Verdon, Tijani, Roche; D’Almeida, Imourane; Dossou, Dokou, Hountondji; Mounie
What to expect
The stakes are extremely high. Nigeria needs to win to stay in contention for qualification, while Benin need only a point to make history. Nigeria isexpected to have the majority of possession and territory while Benin looks to have a disciplined counter-attacking strategy.
Osimhen’s duel with Verdon and Tijani will be key, and Benin will bank on Mounié’s strength and Dossou’s speed to trouble the Super Eagles’ defence.
Safe calls
- Nigeria to win: Home advantage and stronger attack.
- Over 1.5 Goals: Likely given Nigeria’s need to attack.
- Both teams to score: Unlikely — Benin rarely open up early.
- Score prediction: Nigeria 2–0 Benin.
