As the 2026 World Cup qualifiers heat up, Nigeria faces a crucial battle against Benin on Monday at the Stade Félix-Houphouët-Boigny in Abidjan. With Group C finely poised, this match could significantly shape the fortunes of both teams in their quest for a spot in the global showcase.
Read Also: NNL SUPER-8: Beyond Limit FC Keep Victory Celebration On Hold, Until…
Match Context
Nigeria, under the guidance of Finidi George, has had a stuttering start to their qualification campaign. Despite being undefeated, the Super Eagles have drawn all three of their matches against Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and most recently, South Africa. The frustration peaked in their 1-1 draw with Bafana Bafana, where fans felt aggrieved by a controversial penalty decision.
In contrast, Benin secured a vital 1-0 victory over Rwanda in their last outing, propelling them to third in the standings, one point ahead of Nigeria. This win, courtesy of a goal from Dokou Dodo, has kept their qualification hopes alive in a highly competitive group. Both teams, alongside the other group members, are still in contention, with only three points separating the top from the bottom.
Team Analysis
For Nigeria, the urgency to convert draws into wins is palpable. The Super Eagles possess a squad rich in talent but have struggled to find the decisive edge. Friday’s draw with South Africa highlighted their inconsistency, with Fisayo Dele-Bashiru’s equalizer being one of the few bright spots. However, injuries to Dele-Bashiru and Semi Ajayi have complicated Finidi George’s plans.
There’s also scrutiny on George’s tactical choices, particularly his decision to bench Bundesliga star Victor Boniface. Terem Moffi is expected to start, with George possibly looking to add more firepower to the attack. Ademola Lookman, who was prolific in the Europa League, will aim to break his scoring duck in these qualifiers, while Alex Iwobi and Wilfred Ndidi will be crucial in controlling the midfield.
Benin, managed by former Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr, is keen to capitalize on their recent momentum. Steve Mounie, their main attacking threat, will lead the line, flanked by Junior Olaitan and Jodel Dossou. With a solid midfield anchored by Dodo, who scored the match-winner against Rwanda, and Sessi D’Almeida, the Cheetahs will look to exploit any Nigerian vulnerabilities.
Predicted Lineups
Benin: Dandjinou; Moumini, Hountondji, Tijani, Kiki; Dodo, D’Almeida, Imourane; Dossou, Mounie, Olaitan.
Nigeria: Nwabali; Tanimu, Awaziem, Bassey, Osayi-Samuel; Iheanacho, Yusuf, Ndidi, Iwobi; Moffi, Lookman.
Nigeria’s path to the 2026 World Cup is precariously balanced. A win against Benin is not just a necessity but could be pivotal in reinvigorating their campaign. As they head into this crucial fixture, the Super Eagles must harness their superior talent and execute effectively to secure their first win in these qualifiers. On the other hand, Benin, rejuvenated under Rohr, will be looking to upset their West African neighbors and maintain their upward trajectory in Group C.
