The Super Eagles of Nigeria will go all out for victory when they face the Cheetahs of Benin Republic in Tuesday’s final 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying fixture at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.

Coach Eric Sekou Chelle said his team will “give everything they have” to secure a decent win against Benin Republic while hoping for a favourable result from Nelspruit, where South Africa host Rwanda in another decisive Group C clash.

Benin Republic, currently leading the group with 17 points, have their destiny in their own hands, as a win over Nigeria would hand them a historic first-ever qualification for the FIFA World Cup.

Nigeria, on the other hand, are fighting to avoid missing back-to-back World Cup appearances for the first time since debuting at the 1994 tournament. The Super Eagles, third in the group with 14 points, are the only team among the top three contenders to have lost just one match in the qualifying campaign.

Group rivals Benin Republic and second-placed South Africa (15 points) have each suffered two defeats. The Super Eagles’ hopes hinge on defeating the Cheetahs by at least two goals and South Africa failing to beat Rwanda at Mbombela Stadium.

Former Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr, who now manages Benin Republic, has overseen what has been described as one of the nation’s finest qualification campaigns, with the Cheetahs needing just a point on Tuesday if South Africa falter in their fixture.

For Nigeria, a seventh FIFA World Cup appearance is at stake. The Super Eagles have previously reached the Round of 16 three times and are determined to return to the global stage after missing the 2022 edition in Qatar.

Captain William Ekong and midfielder Alex Iwobi, both part of the 2018 World Cup squad, will lead the charge for qualification. Ekong, voted Man of the Competition at the last Africa Cup of Nations, is set to earn his 83rd cap, while Iwobi will make his 89th appearance.

Nigeria’s top scorer and 2023 Africa Player of the Year Victor Osimhen, alongside Calvin Bassey, Frank Onyeka, Raphael Onyedika, Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, and Ademola Lookman, represent a new generation aiming for their first World Cup experience.

However, both teams will be without key players. Benin Republic will miss Yohan Roche and Sessi d’Almeida due to suspension, while Nigeria will be without Ademola Lookman, Ola Aina, and Bright Osayi-Samuel, all sidelined through injury.

Benin Republic, with a population of 11.5 million, will rally behind Rohr’s men, while Nigeria’s 220 million supporters, including thousands expected in Uyo, will be cheering for the Super Eagles to keep their World Cup dream alive.

A two-goal victory for Nigeria, combined with South Africa’s failure to win, will see the six-time African champions book their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. (AriseNews TV)