The Super Eagles need to win against Benin Republic to stand a chance of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico next summer.
The win against Lesotho in Polokwane on Friday evening and South Africa’s draw against Zimbabwe boosted Nigeria’s chances of qualifying for the World Cup.
However, Benin Republic are on the verge of making history by qualifying for the World Cup after a brilliant run in the qualifying series.
The Cheetahs are at the top of Group C with 17 points and need to avoid defeat against the Super Eagles and hope for a favourable result in the South v Rwanda match to seal qualification.
Below are the reasons why Benin Republic will take points off the Super Eagles
- Benin’s strong recent form and momentum
The Cheetahs under former Super Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr, have won their last three qualifiers, boasting a form guide of WDLWWW. Benin Republic are responsible for Super Eagles’ only loss of the qualification series, which dates back to June 2024. This confidence could inspire them to a surprise win over Nigeria and seal qualification for their first World Cup appearance.
- The Gernot Rohr factor
Benin’s head coach, Gernot Rohr, is a former Super Eagles manager who has a fair knowledge of the team’s tactics, players, and weaknesses, giving his team a strategic advantage in the high-stakes World Cup qualifier. Gernot led the Super Eagles to a third-place finish at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. The Franco-German manager was the mastermind of Nigeria’s only defeat in the qualification series. He is the last coach to qualify Nigeria for the World Cup and could do a reverse on Tuesday evening in Uyo.
- Benin’s resilient defense
The Cheetahs are leading the group, having amassed 17 points and needing just a draw to likely secure their first-ever World Cup spot. This will motivate them to deploy a solid backline featuring players like Verdon and Tijani that has conceded only seven goals in nine games, making it tough for Nigeria’s attack to break through decisively. The absence of Ademola Lookman, who is suspended for the tie, lessens Nigeria’s attacking prowess and potency.
