Sports
FIFA World Cup Qualifier: Nigeria vs Benin – Time, Venue, and How to Watch Live
The Super Eagles of Nigeria will battle the Cheetahs of Benin Republic today in a high-stakes 2026 FIFA World Cup CAF Qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.
With qualification on the line, this is a must-win encounter for Nigeria, who trail Benin by three points in Group C.
Benin currently top the group with 17 points, while Nigeria sit in third with 14 points and a +3 goal difference. The three-time African champions must secure victory to keep their qualification hopes alive either by topping the group or qualifying for the intercontinental playoff scheduled for November.
For Benin, the mission is clearer: a draw or win guarantees their first-ever World Cup qualification. Even in defeat, they could still qualify if South Africa fail to win their final fixture.
Group C Standings Before Final Matchday
- Benin Republic – 17 pts (+5 GD)
- South Africa – 15 pts (+3 GD)
- Nigeria – 14 pts (+3 GD)
- Rwanda – 11 pts (-1 GD)
- Lesotho – 9 pts (-4 GD)
- Zimbabwe – 5 pts (-6 GD)
Nigeria’s qualification chances received a lifeline after FIFA deducted three points from South Africa for fielding an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, in a previous qualifier against Lesotho. The decision awarded Lesotho a 3–0 win, shaking up the table and giving Nigeria a renewed path to qualification.
The Cheetahs stunned the Super Eagles 2–1 in June 2024 in Abidjan. Nigeria’s Raphael Onyedika opened scoring, but Jodel Dossou and Steve Mounié netted for Benin to seal a famous comeback victory. The defeat remains fresh in Nigerian minds and adds more intensity to today’s clash.
Nigeria will be without key attacker Ademola Lookman, who is suspended after picking up a second yellow card in their 2–0 victory over Lesotho. Defender Ola Aina is also unavailable due to injury.
However, Victor Osimhen, who returned from injury in the last match, is expected to start and lead the Super Eagles’ attack. Benin’s coach Gernot Rohr, a former Nigeria manager, has a full squad available and is likely to retain his tried-and-tested 4-2-3-1 formation, with Steve Mounié as the focal point.
Nigeria have qualified for six World Cups but missed the 2022 edition in Qatar. A win in Uyo would keep their dream alive for a return to football’s biggest stage. For Benin Republic, it’s an opportunity to make history and qualify for their first-ever FIFA World Cup, an achievement that would mark a new era under Gernot Rohr.
Nigeria vs Benin: Time, Venue, and How to Watch
Date: Tuesday, October 14, 2025
Time: 5:00 p.m. (Nigeria Time)
Venue: Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo
Live Broadcast: SuperSport Football (DSTV Channel)
Live Updates: Follow @NGSuperEagles on X (Twitter) and visit top sports platforms including Vanguard Sports for minute-by-minute coverage and post-match analysis.
