The Super Eagles of Nigeria will take on the Republic of Benin at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Tuesday evening, Soccernet.ng reports.
A place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup is up for grabs for both sides, with 90 minutes seperating them from the Mundial, although they’ll be needing help from Rwanda against South Africa.
Eric Chelle was on the touchline as he heralded the Super Eagles to a surprisingly narrow 2-1 win over Lesotho at the Peter Makoba Stadium in Polokwane last Friday.
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The Super Eagles haven’t recorded any fatigue or injury problems from their clash against Lesotho, and will most likely be at full strength in Uyo on Tuesday.
Soccernet.ng predicts the Super Eagles’ lineup with the players available for the Benin Republic game.
Predicted Super Eagles lineup vs Benin
Goalkeeper: Stanley Nwabali’s display against Lesotho has raised so many questions about the composure of the Chippa United goalkeeper as his error gifted Basotho a goal, while another nearly led to the equaliser.
Still, it’ll be risky to give a debut appearance to Amas Obasogie or Adebayo Adeleye in a game where the hope of the entire nation could be decided as it may cause jittery due to the high amount of pressure.
Nwabali is still Nigeria’s best bet, However, he’ll need to be more composed between the sticks.
Defenders: William Troost-Ekong played his first 90 minutes for the Super Eagles in a while against Lesotho after a flurry of incosistent displays. His performance on Friday wasn’t the greatest either, but his leadership at the back will be needed to keep things secure.
Fulham’s Calvin Bassey should partner the Al-Kholood defender in the centre of the defence while Bruno Onyemaechi continues his run at left back.
Benjamin Frederick was superb against Lesotho at right back. While it was a makeshift role, Eric Chelle doesn’t have better options on the bench and needs to bank on the FCV Dender defender to put in another strong shift tomorrow.
Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi was shaky on a few occasions last time out, but his experience is relevant.
Christantus Uche could pair the former Leicester City midfielder in a pivot, as he’s a good progresser of the ball, and that decision will allow Ndidi focus more on protecting the back four.
Alex Iwobi would feature slightly ahead of the duo as Chelle will most likely maintain a diamond 4-4-2 formation.
Forwards: Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Tolu Arokodare and Victor Osimhen led the line against Lesotho, but the decision to pair Osimhen and Tolu didn’t yield fruit as they didn’t complement each other.
With Lookman suspended, and Simon being the pacy outlet for Nigeria, Akor Adams will be a better option to play alongside Osimhen while Arokodare can come off the susbstitute’s bench due to his towering aerial presence.
The line-up in full: Stanley Nwabali; Benjamin Frederick, William Troost-Ekong, Calvin Bassey, Bruno Onyemaechi; Wilfred Ndidi, Christantus Uche; Alex Iwobi; Moses Simon; Akor Adams, Victor Osimhen.