A lacklustre draw for South Africa against Zimbabwe, combined with the Cheetahs’ victory over Rwanda, has blown the group wide open, leaving three nations still in contention for qualification.
The Super Eagles boosted their chances with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Lesotho, but their fate is no longer entirely in their hands.
Even a victory over Gernot Rohr’s Benin might not be enough if South Africa manages to defeat Rwanda in Mbombela.
Conversely, a win for Benin Republic would secure them a historic first-ever appearance at the World Cup, a milestone achievement for the Francophone nation.
Below, Flashscore brings you all the key details ahead of this decisive encounter, including kickoff time, broadcast information, referee appointments, and everything else you need to know as the battle for World Cup qualification reaches its dramatic conclusion.
When is the World Cup qualifier?
The match between Nigeria and Benin is scheduled for 17:00 (West African Time) on Tuesday, October 14.
Where can you watch the game on TV?
Date: October 14th, 2025
Time: 17:00 WAT
Channels: SuperSport, FIFA Youtube
Nigeria’s squad:
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa), Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania), Adebayo Adeleye (Volos FC, Greece)
Defenders: William Troost-Ekong (Al-Kholood, Saudi Arabia), Calvin Bassey (Fulham, England), Semi Ajayi (Hull City, England), Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal), Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece), Felix Agu (Werder Bremen, Germany), Benjamin Fredrick (Dender, Belgium)
Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham, England), Frank Onyeka (Brentford, England), Alhassan Yusuf (New England Revolution, USA), Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas, Turkey)
Forwards: Ademola Lookman (Atalanta, Italy), Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy), Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray, Turkey), Moses Simon (Paris FC, France), Uche Chrisantus (Crystal Palace, England), Tolu Arokodare (Genk, Belgium), Terem Moffi (OGC Nice, France), Akor Adams (Sevilla, Spain), Olakunle Olusegun (Pari Nizhny Novgorod, Russia)
Nigeria's possible XI: Nwabali, Frederick, Troost-Ekong, Bassey, Onyemaechi, Simon, Ndidi, Iwobi, Arokodare, Osimhen
Benin Republic’s squad:
Goalkeepers: Saturnin Allagbe, Marcel Dandjinou, Karim Abdoul Aziz
Defenders: Rodrigue Fassinou, Cédric Hountondji, David Kiki, Rachid Moumini, Yohan Roche, Rabiou Sankamao, Bachirou Sika, Mohamed Tijani, Olivier Verdon
Midfielders: Mattéo Ahlinvi, Mariano Ahouangbo, Romaric Amoussou, Samadou Attidjikou, Sessi D’Almeida, Dodo Dokou, Hassane Imourane, Junior Olaïtan
Forwards: Steve Mounie, Tosin Aiyegun, Andréas Hountondji, Jodel Dossou, Steve-Waren Traore
Dandjinou, Ouorou, Verdon, Tjani, Roche, D'Almeida, Dodo, Imourane, Dossou, Mounie, Hountounji
Where is the match?
Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo
Also known as the Akwa Ibom International Stadium, the 30,000-capacity facility in Uyo, the state capital, was modelled after Germany’s Allianz Arena. Following his inauguration on May 29, 2015, Governor Udom Gabriel Emmanuel renamed it the Godswill Obot Akpabio International Stadium in honour of his predecessor, Godswill Akpabio, who oversaw the project’s completion during his tenure as governor.
What has been said?
Benin Republic captain Steve Mounie says the Cheetahs are highly motivated ahead of their crucial showdown with the Super Eagles of Nigeria.
“I don’t think I need to motivate my teammates that much. We all know what we are playing for tomorrow which is bigger than every Individual,” he told the media.
“Everyone knows what we have to do tomorrow to get qualification. I don’t need to tell my teammates much. We will give our best on the pitch.”
On the other hand, former FIFA Technical Instructor and ex-Super Eagles coach Adegboye Onigbinde has urged the team to focus solely on Gernot Rohr’s Benin Republic, while expressing confidence that the three-time African champions have what it takes to secure a place at the World Cup.
“I am not too close to Nigerian football. However, as a Nigerian, I want the Super Eagles to do well in every endeavour,” he said.
“It’s a pity that we find ourselves in this situation, but then, I expect the Super Eagles to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. Whether or not we are adequately prepared for that is what I don’t know.
“The players must do the needful first against Benin and hope for favours elsewhere.”
Who will officiate the game?
FIFA has appointed Egyptian referee Omar Amin Mohamed Amin Mohamed to officiate Nigeria’s decisive 2026 World Cup qualifier against Benin Republic.
Mohamed will be assisted by fellow Egyptians Mahmoud Aboulergal and Ali Ahmed Tawfik Teleb, while Moustafa Mohamed will serve as the fourth official.
The referee assessor for the encounter will be Jason Joseph Damoo from Seychelles, with Ghana’s Prosper Harrison Addo named as match commissioner. Xolile Nokuthula Vilakati from Eswatini will act as the security officer for the fixture.
