Nigeria take on Benin in Uyo their final 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on October 14, in which the Super Eagles need a win.
The hosts are third in CAF's Group C of qualifiers. Only the top team is guaranteed a place at next year's finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico, with the four best second-place teams entering the playoffs.
A vital 2-1 away victory against Lesotho has kept Eric Chelle's team in with a chance to qualify for the tournament, but the picture is complex.
Nigeria trail second-place South Africa by one point ahead of the final round of qualifiers. Bafana Bafana were effectively docked three points after fielding an ineligible player earlier in qualifying, but they are appealing that decision.
South Africa host Rwanda on the same day as Nigeria take on Benin, and victory for Chelle's charges might be enough to qualify depending on results elsewhere.
MORE: Updated list of teams qualified for 2026 FIFA World Cup
Nigeria lineup vs. Benin: Predicted starting XI, team news, injury latest
Despite the short turnaround in between games, Chelle is expected to stick with the majority of the same team that edged out Lesotho.
Nottingham Forestdefender Ola Aina has not joined up with the camp due to injury but Fulham duo Calvin Bassey and Alex Iwobi will start.
However, the main call for Chelle is on replacing Atalanta winger Ademola Lookman, who was cautioned against Lesotho and misses out due to suspension.
Samuel Chukwueze is the most likely candidate to come in as cover with Akor Adama kept in reserve after his first international goal secured the win last week.
Nigeria predicted starting XI (4-3-3, right to left): Nwabali (GK) — Fredrick, Troost-Ekong, Bassey, Onyemaechi — Iwobi, Ndidi, Simon — Arokodare, Osimhen, Chukwueze
Full Nigeria squad
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali, Amas Obasogie, Adeleye Adebayo
Defenders: William Ekong, Calvin Bassey, Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, Bruno Onyemaechi, Felix Agu, Benjamin Fredericks, Zaidu Sanusi
Midfielders: Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi, Wilfred Ndidi, Christantus Uche
Forwards: Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Victor Osimhen, Moses Simon, Cyriel Dessers, Tolu Arokodare, Terem Moffi, Akor Adams, Olakunle Olusegun.
What results do Nigeria need to qualify for World Cup 2026?
Qualification for the World Cup is still within reach, but Nigeria need to meet a few extra requirements.
Nigeria must beat Benin by two goals, or a 1-0 scoreline (based on away goals scored in head-to-head games) to end with a superior goal difference and finish above Les Guepards. If they do that and South Africa fail to beat Rwanda, Nigeria will progress as group winners.
If Nigeria win by a single goal, they can land in second place and qualify for the playoffs if South Africa lose or draw to Rwanda.
A draw for Nigeria would only be enough if South Africa lose to Rwanda.
Nigeria vs. Benin match details
- Date: Tuesday, October 14, 2025
- Kickoff time: 5 p.m. local / 12 p.m. ET / 9 a.m. PT / 9:30 p.m. IST / 3 a.m. AEST (October 15)
- Location: Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo (Nigeria)
- Competition: CAF World Cup Qualifier
- Referee: Amin Mohamed Omar (EGY)