ABUJA, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- Nigeria's Super Eagles will face the Cheetahs of Benin Republic on Tuesday evening in a decisive Group C encounter at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, southern Nigeria, as its turbulent 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign reaches its climax.
The six-time World Cup participants must win by a wide margin and hope for a favorable result when South Africa meets Rwanda, to at least secure a play-off ticket for the global football tournament slated for North America next year.
Currently third in Group C with 14 points, Nigeria trails Benin (17 points) and South Africa (15 points). A victory, coupled with dropped points by South Africa, could see the Super Eagles qualify directly or earn a playoff spot.
"We are strongly hoping for a miracle. This is a must-win game for Nigeria. It's a do-or-die clash," said local football analyst Ezekiel Oladosu. "It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for the Super Eagles to qualify in this situation."
The mood in Uyo is tense but hopeful, as fans cling to slim qualification hopes. Former Super Eagles coach Adegboye Onigbinde urged the team to "win the Benin game and leave nothing to chance by seeking the needed margins."
Analyst Mustapha Bello said Coach Eric Chelle must find a way to unlock Benin's tight defense, relying on wingers Moses Simon and Samuel Chukwueze to support star striker Victor Osimhen, while captain William Troost-Ekong leads a solid backline.
"This is not a game I, the coach, or the players can win alone," Troost-Ekong told local media. "We need shared responsibility. This is our final, and we will work very hard to get there."
Having missed the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Nigeria is desperate to avoid a second straight absence from football's biggest stage.
Coach Chelle said at a pre-match press conference Monday that his team will "give their all" against Benin. "We know the odds, but our focus is on winning," he said. "We owe it to ourselves, the fans, and the badge."
