by The Ajasa News | October 11, 2025 10:11 am
The stage is set for a thrilling encounter in Uyo as Nigeria’s Super Eagles and the Cheetahs of Benin Republic arrive on Saturday ahead of their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier slated for Tuesday at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.
The Super Eagles boosted their qualification hopes on Friday with a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Lesotho in Polokwane, courtesy of goals from captain William Ekong and debutant Jerome Akor Adams. The win kept Nigeria within reach of the group’s automatic World Cup ticket, though Group C leaders Benin maintained their three-point advantage with a late winner against Rwanda in Kigali.
Both teams are expected to touch down in Uyo on Saturday afternoon—Nigeria aboard a chartered ValueJet flight from Polokwane, and Benin’s delegation arriving around the same time at the Obong Victor Attah International Airport.
Nigeria, three-time African champions and 2024 AFCON runners-up, must secure at least a two-goal victory over Benin while hoping South Africa fail to beat Rwanda in Nelspruit to clinch the group’s sole automatic ticket to North America 2026.
The scenario mirrors previous nail-biting qualification runs. In 2001 and 2009, Nigeria overcame similar odds to reach the global finals. Then, the Eagles overturned precarious positions with decisive victories over Liberia, Sudan, and Ghana in 2001, and a dramatic late qualification against Kenya in 2009 after Tunisia stumbled in Mozambique.
Benin, currently on 17 points, are managed by Franco-German coach Gernot Rohr, who famously led Nigeria to the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.
Egyptian referee Amin Mohamed Omar will officiate Tuesday’s clash, assisted by compatriots Mahmoud Abouelregal, Ahmed Tawfik Ali, and Mahmoud Moustafa Elbana. Jason Joseph Damoo from Seychelles serves as referee assessor, Ghana’s Prosper Harrison Addo as match commissioner, while Xolile Vilakati of eSwatini acts as security officer.
All eyes now turn to Uyo, where both teams will fight for a place among Africa’s representatives at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Source URL: https://theajasanews.com/super-eagles-benin-set-for-uyo-showdown-in-final-world-cup-qualifier/
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