WCQ: Online fever builds as Nigerians brace for Eagles-Benin battle

The stakes could not be higher in Uyo today as the Super Eagles lock horns with the Cheetahs of Benin Republic in a decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier that will determine who earns Africa’s last ticket to North America next summer.

Group leaders Benin, on 17 points, have destiny in their own hands, a draw at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium will be enough to send them to their first-ever FIFA World Cup. But for Nigeria, there is no room for error. The Eagles sit third with 14 points, and only a convincing win coupled with a slip-up from South Africa against Rwanda in Nelspruit can secure them passage to the global showpiece.

Super Eagles head coach Eric Sekou Chelle has vowed that his side will “give everything” to snatch victory and keep their World Cup hopes alive. “We know what’s at stake. This is about pride, history, and belief,” Chelle said ahead of the clash.

Nigeria, who have not missed two consecutive World Cup finals since making their debut in 1994, enter today’s encounter with only one defeat in the qualifiers fewer than both Benin and South Africa.

Meanwhile, Gernot Rohr, the man who once led Nigeria’s dugout, now stands in their way. The Franco-German tactician, now in charge of Benin, insists his Cheetahs will not be intimidated by the Uyo crowd.

“Yes, the atmosphere can be hostile, but we’ll stay calm and focused,” Rohr told Goal. “We plan to keep possession, defend well, and use quick counterattacks. That’s our game plan for Uyo.”

Both sides face injury and suspension concerns. Nigeria will be without Ademola Lookman, Ola Aina, and Bright Osayi-Samuel, while Benin are missing Yohan Roche and Sessi d’Almeida.

Captain William Troost-Ekong and midfielder Alex Iwobi, both World Cup veterans, are expected to start, alongside top scorer and reigning Africa Player of the Year Victor Osimhen, who is yet to appear on football’s biggest stage.

The Cheetahs, who have never reached a World Cup, are riding a wave of national pride, while Nigeria — six-time finalists at the continental level — carry the expectations of over 220 million fans.

Kick-off is 5 p.m. at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.

A two-goal win for Nigeria and a South African draw in Nelspruit could yet write a fairytale ending for the Eagles. Until then, all eyes — and hearts — are on Uyo.

What Nigerians Are Saying

Meanwhile, Nigerians have flooded social media with mixed emotions, prayers, and pointed criticism as the Super Eagles prepare to take on Benin Republic in their final 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.

On X, many fans expressed cautious optimism, urging unity behind the team despite a rocky qualifying campaign.

User @Letter_to_Jack wrote, “I want to believe that behind the veiled banters, we are all passionate Nigerians who want the Super Eagles to defeat Benin today and qualify for the World Cup.”

Another fan, @PoojaMedia, struck a similar tone of hope and humour, saying, “Deep inside us, we all want the Super Eagles to qualify. Banter & pray as well. Both works.”

But not everyone shares that sentiment. @AdetolaOkuwobi held nothing back, calling for a total overhaul of the team if failure comes: “You and who?? Not one bit. I prefer they lose and not qualify and the AFCON should even go wrong too if that’s what it will take for them to disband the whole team and the NFF. Let them start all over.”

In contrast, @FadaChristmas_ voiced a competitive Nigerian spirit mixed with a hint of rivalry, tweeting: “Dear Super Eagles, your only job today is to make sure South Africa doesn’t go to the World Cup, I don’t care how you do it. Make or break time!”

He added: “Super Eagles must win against Benin today to qualify. We get 14 points, dem get 17. No Lookman but Osimhen fit cause wahala! Historically, we don beat dem 13 times but dem shock us 2-1 for June. Which player go be hero today?”

Meanwhile, @chaxdawg_909 raised tactical concerns, recalling a previous encounter between both sides: “I remember the win by Benin against the Super Eagles in Côte d’Ivoire during the early stages of the qualifiers. Their skipper said they won because they got better part of Ekong. Chelle, please don’t start Ekong.”