Nigeria’s Super Eagles and Benin will lock horns in their final fixture of the 2026 FIFA World Cup next week…
The Super Eagles will have a slight boost going into their game against Benin next week, as coach Gernot Rohr will not have all his regulars available for the game, Soccernet.ng reports.
The final round of games in the African World Cup Qualifiers will be played within the next eight days, and Nigeria will meet Benin in their final game of the series.
There is a lot at stake for both countries going into that game, as the Super Eagles can still qualify if results in other centers go their way.
Then, Benin, who currently top the group, know that they must defeat Nigeria to seal a ticket to the Mundial next year.
However, both countries will be without some important players going into that game. Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle will be without Cyriel Dessers, Ola Aina, Raphael Onyedika, Felix Agu and Bright Osayi-Samuel, due to injuries.
But, reports from Benin outlet Global Football indicate that coach Rohr will also be missing some important players.
Rachid Moumini and Rodolfo Aloko are already confirmed absences, as they are both dealing with injuries. Forward, Andreas Hountondji is also expected to be absent through injury.
Also, Junior Olaitan is dealing with an injury, with his club Goztepe skeptical about letting him leave due to concerns over his fitness.
Benin Have A Tougher Problems, No Excuse For Nigeria’s Super Eagles
Although Eric Chelle will be missing some players, the only bang on starter who will be absent is Ola Aina. The others are bench warmers or usually substitutes.
Gernot Rohr, however, will be without four of his regular starters, barring any changes before the fixture on October 14.
On paper, the Super Eagles are clear favourites due to their superior quality. But now, Benin will likely be without four regular starters, so Eric Chelle and his boys have no excuse.
If Benin defeat Lesotho and South Africa beat Zimbabwe in their first game if this international window, it would automatically knock Nigeria out of contention for a World Cup ticket.
So, by the time Nigeria welcome Benin, the three points would be useless to the Super Eagles. Still, they have to win the game for the bragging right and to show that they indeed have quality.