The delegations of Nigeria and Benin Republic are scheduled to arrive in Uyo on Saturday afternoon ahead of their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifying Matchday 10 showdown at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on Tuesday.
Nigeria’s Super Eagles boosted their qualification hopes on Friday with a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Lesotho in Polokwane, South Africa. Captain William Troost-Ekong converted from the penalty spot before debutant Jerome Akor Adams scored the winner to keep the three-time African champions firmly in contention for the lone automatic ticket from Group C.
Meanwhile, group leaders Benin Republic secured a dramatic late win over Rwanda’s Amavubi in Kigali to maintain their three-point advantage over their West African neighbours. The result sets up Tuesday’s clash in Uyo as a potential decider in the race to the 2026 World Cup.
Both teams are expected to arrive in Uyo on Saturday, with Nigeria flying in aboard a chartered ValueJet Airline aircraft from Polokwane, while the Cheetahs’ delegation will also touch down at the Obong Victor Attah International Airport around the same time.
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To seal automatic qualification, the Super Eagles must defeat Benin by at least two goals or a goal without conceding, and hope South Africa fail to beat Rwanda in Nelspruit on the same day.
Anything short of that may see Gernot Rohr’s side — led by the former Nigeria coach who guided the Eagles to the 2018 World Cup in Russia — make history by securing Benin’s first-ever World Cup ticket.
The high-stakes fixture will be officiated by Egyptian referee Amin Mohamed Omar, assisted by compatriots Mahmoud Abouelregal (Assistant Referee 1), Ahmed Tawfik Ali (Assistant Referee 2), and Mahmoud Moustafa Elbana (Fourth Official).
Seychelles’ Jason Joseph Damoo will serve as referee assessor, Ghana’s Prosper Harrison Addo as match commissioner, and Xolile Vilakati from eSwatini as the security officer.
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