Sport|FootballNigeria vs Benin: World Cup qualifier – start time, team news and lineupsAll to know as Group C leaders Benin try to hold off a fast-finishing Nigeria for direct entry into the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
## Sports Update: FIFA 2026 World Cup Qualifiers
Sports Update: FIFA 2026 World Cup Qualifiers
Teams: Nigeria vs Benin Event: CAF Qualifiers for FIFA 2026 World Cup Location: Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, Nigeria Date and Time: Tuesday, 6pm (16:00 GMT)
As of the latest updates, Benin and Nigeria are leading the charge for qualification. The standings are as follows:
Benin: 17 points (+5 GD) South Africa: 15 points (+3 GD) Nigeria: 14 points (+3 GD) Rwanda: 11 points (-1 GD) Lesotho: 9 points (-4 GD) Zimbabwe: 5 points (-6 GD)
Coach Eric Chele will be without key player Ademola Lookman due to suspension. Lookman received a booking in their previous match, resulting in a one-match ban. Key defender Ola Aina will also remain absent due to an injury.
Coach Gernot Rohr will have a full squad at his disposal. The team is expected to maintain their usual formation, aiming for a strong performance against Nigeria.
Lookman received a booking in their previous match, resulting in a one-match ban.
Nigeria and Benin have faced each other 12 times since 2004, with Nigeria claiming nine victories and Benin securing two. The teams have drawn once.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) qualifiers for the FIFA 2026 World Cup consist of nine groups. The group winners secure direct entry to the World Cup, while the top four runners-up will compete in an intercontinental playoff for a potential tenth spot.
First Round: Nov 15, 2023, to Oct 14, 2025 Second Round: Nov 10-18, 2025
Nigeria: Nwabali (GK); Troost-Ekong, Fredrick, Bassey, Onyemaechi; Ndidi, Iwobi; Chukwueze, Simon; Osimhen, Arokodare
Benin: Dandjinou (GK); Ouorou, Verdon, Tijani, Roche; D’Almeida, Imourane; Dossou, Dokou, Hountondji; Mounie
Eric Chele, Nigeria Head Coach: The team remains optimistic despite player suspensions and injuries.
Gernot Rohr, Benin Head Coach: Emphasized the importance of the upcoming match and acknowledged the challenge of playing against Nigeria.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.
