The Nigerian national football team, Super Eagles, is set to face Benin Republic in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Tuesday. The match, scheduled to take place at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, will be a decisive encounter for the team’s qualification hopes.

Nigeria currently occupies third position in Group C with 14 points from nine matches. To secure a spot in the global soccer tournament, Eric Chelle’s side must defeat Benin Republic and rely on South Africa dropping points against Rwanda. The team’s performance in the qualifier has sparked concern, with former Super Eagles head coach Adegboye Onigbinde urging the players to give their all in the upcoming clash.

Onigbinde, who has managed the Super Eagles twice in the past, expressed his hope for the team’s qualification, despite acknowledging the challenges they face. “It’s a pity that we find ourselves in this situation, but then, I expect the Super Eagles to qualify for the 2026 World Cup,” he said. The former coach emphasized the need for the team to focus on their match against Benin Republic, stating that “the players must do the needful first against Benin and hope for favours elsewhere.”

The Super Eagles will host Benin Republic’s side, led by Gernot Rohr, at 5:00 pm Nigerian time on Tuesday. The outcome of this match, combined with the result of the South Africa-Rwanda encounter, will determine Nigeria’s chances of advancing to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. As the team prepares to take on Benin Republic, the significance of the match cannot be overstated, with the nation’s football fans eagerly awaiting the outcome.