Nigeria vs Benin: Date, Time, and All You Need to Know About the World Cup Qualifier

A dull draw for South Africa against Zimbabwe, along with the Cheetahs' win over Rwanda, has opened up the group, leaving three countries still vying for qualification.

The Super Eagles improved their prospects with a tough 2-1 victory over Lesotho, but their destiny is no longer completely in their control. Even if they win against Gernot Rohr's Benin, it might not be sufficient if South Africa wins against Rwanda in Mbombela.

On the other hand, a win for Benin Republic would guarantee them their first-ever World Cup appearance, marking a significant achievement for the Francophone nation. We provides all the essential information ahead of this crucial match, including kickoff time, broadcast details, referee assignments, and everything else you need to know as the fight for World Cup qualification reaches its thrilling finale.

When is the World Cup qualifier?

The game between Nigeria and Benin is set for 17:00 (West African Time) on Tuesday, October 14.

Nigeria's team:

Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa), Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania), Adebayo Adeleye (Volos FC, Greece)

Defenders: William Troost-Ekong, Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi (Hull City, England), Zaidu Sanusi, Bruno Onyemaechi, Benjamin Fredrick, Olakunle Olusegun

Midfielders: Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Alhassan Yusuf, Wilfred Ndidi.

Forwards: Ademola Lookman , Samuel Chukwueze, Victor Osimhen, Moses Simon, Uche Chrisantus, Tolu Arokodare, Terem Moffi, Akor Adams

Nigeria's likely starting lineup: 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

Recommended: World Cup Qualifiers: Super Eagles Open Camp in Uyo as Rwanda Arrive Tuesday

Where is the match?

Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo

Also referred to as the Akwa Ibom International Stadium, this facility in Uyo, which has a capacity of 30,000, was designed based on Germany’s Allianz Arena.

After his inauguration on May 29, 2015, Governor Udom Gabriel Emmanuel renamed it the Godswill Obot Akpabio International Stadium to honor his predecessor, Godswill Akpabio, who was responsible for the project's completion during his time in office.

Match Officials

FIFA has designated Egyptian referee Omar Amin Mohamed Amin Mohamed to oversee Nigeria’s crucial 2026 World Cup qualifier against the Benin Republic.

Mohamed will be supported by fellow Egyptians Mahmoud Aboulergal and Ali Ahmed Tawfik Teleb, while Moustafa Mohamed will fulfill the role of the fourth official.

The referee assessor for this match will be Jason Joseph Damoo from Seychelles, and Ghana’s Prosper Harrison Addo has been appointed as the match commissioner. Xolile Nokuthula Vilakati from Eswatini will serve as the security officer for the event.