Nigeria enter this crucial World Cup qualifier with their hopes hanging by a thread. Sitting third in Group C, the Super Eagles trail Benin and South Africa, making victory at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo non-negotiable, Softfootball reports.
Their 2-1 win over Lesotho last week provided a much-needed boost after a frustrating run of dropped points that had left qualification uncertain. With the home crowd behind them and attacking quality throughout the squad, Nigeria have a golden opportunity to close the gap and hopefully book their the tickets to the 2026 World Cup.
However, head coach Eric Chelle will know that inconsistency has been the team's biggest weakness. Nigeria have struggled to turn dominance into results, often conceding at crucial moments or failing to convert clear chances. Against a disciplined Benin Republic side, focus and execution will be vital. The Super Eagles must combine creativity with defensive solidity, as any slip-up could be fatal to their hopes of returning to the World Cup after missing the 2022 edition.