Nigeria host Benin in their final World Cup qualifier needing to win by at least two goals to make the playoffs and needing a result elsewhere to seal an automatic spot in next summer's tournament.
The Super Eagles have had a disappointing and inconsistent campaign, finding themselves three points behind Group C leaders Benin and one behind second-placed South Africa.
They will overtake their West African rivals with a big win but need that and a favour from Rwanda against Bafana Bafana to qualify automatically.
Can Nigeria save themselves or will Benin make history and qualify for their first-ever World Cup? The Sporting News brings you this betting preview complete with the latest tips and odds ahead of this huge clash.
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Nigeria vs. Benin preview: Can the Super Eagles fly?
Benin - who are managed by former Nigeria boss Gernot Rohr - have been one of the stories of qualification and are on the brink of an incredible achievement.
They beat their illustrious neighbours 2-1 in the reverse fixture in June 2024 but will be up against it given the gulf in talent between the sides here, at least on paper.
With Nigeria in desperation mode and the crowd in Uyo sure to be raucous, the Super Eagles should fly and get the job done to earn a playoff spot at the very least.
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Head-to-Head: Nigeria vs. Benin
- The neighbours have met on 19 occasions with Nigeria dominant - 14 wins to Benin's two.
- Benin's previous win prior to June last year came in August 2017 but they have never been victorious on Nigerian soil.
- Nigeria have won 10 of their 11 home fixtures against Benin.
Nigeria vs. Benin: Form Guide
Nigeria – Last 5 Matches (All Competitions)
- Lesotho 1-2 Nigeria (World Cup qualifier)
- South Africa 1-1 Nigeria (World Cup qualifier)
- Nigeria 1-0 Rwanda (World Cup qualifier)
- Nigeria 2-0 Congo (African Nations Championship)
- Sudan 4-0 Nigeria (African Nations Championship)
Benin – Last 5 Matches (All Competitions)
- Rwanda 0-1 Benin (World Cup qualifier)
- Benin 4-0 Lesotho (World Cup qualifier)
- Benin 1-0 Zimbabwe (World Cup qualifier)
- Morocco 1-0 Benin (friendly)
- Benin 0-2 South Africa (World Cup qualifier)
Nigeria vs. Benin Score Prediction
Nigeria have to win by at least two goals to keep their hopes alive of making the World Cup.
Having missed out in 2022, their motivation will be even stronger with the Super Eagles not having failed to qualify for consecutive tournaments since their debut in 1994.
With Victor Osimhen leading the way up front, we're backing them to avoid major disappointment in front of a red hot home crowd.
Prediction: Nigeria 3-0 Benin (7/1 with Sky Bet)
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Nigeria vs. Benin Team News
Nigeria Team News
- Nigeria are without both Ademola Lookman and Ola Aina for this critical clash.
- Victor Osimhen will be hoping to add to his three goals in qualifying, while Alex Iwobi will be vital to creating chances for the striker from midfield.
Benin Team News
- Former Huddersfield Town striker Steve Mounie will lead the line on what could be the biggest night in Benin's football history.
Nigeria vs. Benin Predicted Lineups
This is how we think these two sides will lineup on Tuesday night with Victor Osimhen leading the line for the Super Eagles. William Troost-Ekong scored the opener against Lesotho last Friday and will partner Fulham's Calvin Bassey in central defence.
Nigeria predicted lineup to play Benin
(4-2-2-2) Nwabali (GK) — Fredrick, Troost-Ekong, Bassey, Onyemaechi — Ndidi, Iwobi — Chukwueze, Simon — Osimhen, Arokodare
Benin predicted lineup to play Nigeria
(4-2-3-1) Dandjinou (GK) — Ouorou, Verdon, Tijani, Roche — D'Almeida, Imourane — Dossou, Dokou, Hountondji — Mounie
Nigeria vs. Benin Betting Odds
- Nigeria to Win: 4/11 Bet365
- Benin to Win: 9/1 Paddy Power
- Draw: 7/2 Betway
Bet Builder Tips: Nigeria vs. Benin
Our bet builder for this one is Nigeria to win to nil and with a -2 handicap, and Victor Osimhen to score anytime. This comes to overall best odds of 10.35/1 with Bet365. You can build your own bet builder and compare the best bookmaker prices using the tool below.
How to watch Nigeria vs. Benin: Live stream, TV channel
Here's all the key information on how to watch Nigeria vs. Benin on Tuesday evening.
- Date: Tuesday, October 14
- Venue: Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, Nigeria
- Time: 5:00 p.m.
- TV/Stream: FIFA+