The stage is set in Uyo for one of the most crucial matches in Nigeria’s recent football history.

The Super Eagles will take on the Cheetahs of Benin Republic in their final 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying game. For Nigeria, it’s simple, win or say goodbye to their World Cup dreams.

A Do-or-Die Game for the Super Eagles

After a dramatic qualifying campaign, the Super Eagles know what’s at stake. Benin currently lead Group C with 17 points, followed by South Africa with 15, and Nigeria with 14. 

Only one team gets the automatic ticket to the World Cup playoffs, meaning Nigeria’s chances depend not just on victory but also on other results in the group.

The tension is high because this game isn’t just about points, it’s about pride, redemption, and keeping hope alive.

Flight Scare Before the Big Match

Preparations took an unexpected turn over the weekend when the team’s flight from Polokwane, South Africa, suffered a cracked windscreen midair, forcing an emergency landing in Luanda, Angola. 

The delay stretched the team’s travel time to over 20 hours before they finally arrived in Uyo late Saturday.

Despite the exhaustion, the Super Eagles began training on Sunday evening, determined to give everything on Tuesday night. Their focus remains sharp, and the players are ready to respond with a performance that could define their qualification journey.

Key Team News

Nigeria will be without forward Ademola Lookman, who picked up a yellow card in the last game against Lesotho. 

Meanwhile, Benin coach Gernot Rohr, a familiar face to Nigerian fans, will also miss two key players, Yohan Roche and Sessi D’Almeida both suspended for card accumulation.

There’s good news for the Cheetahs, though, as Junior Olaitan, a Nigerian-born forward, could return after injury kept him out earlier in the qualifiers.

Historically, Nigeria have dominated this fixture, 13 wins, 3 draws, and just 1 loss in 17 meetings. But that single loss came in the reverse fixture, where Benin beat the Super Eagles 2–1 in Abidjan. 

Rohr’s men will look to prove that was no fluke, while Nigeria will be desperate to set the record straight.

Where to Watch Nigeria vs Benin

Fans who can’t make it to the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo can still catch all the action live.

• On TV: SuperSport channels on DStv will broadcast the match live across Sub-Saharan Africa.
• Online: The game will be available for streaming on the DStv app and Sporty TV, giving fans the chance to follow from anywhere.
• Internationally: Viewers outside Africa can stream the game on FIFA+, while those in the United States can watch live on ESPN+.