Nigeria and Benin are set to clash later today in a pivotal final-day meeting in CAF Group C of FIFA World Cup qualifying, with a place in the world’s most prestigious tournament potentially at stake.
The Super Eagles are third in the standings heading into the encounter, while the Cheetahs are at the top of the Group C table.
Nigeria vs Benin
Tuesday 14 October, 2025
Godswill Akpabio International Stadium
After a miserable start to their World Cup qualifying campaign, failing to win any of their first four matches with three draws and one defeat, an upturn in form in the subsequent five fixtures has left Nigeria with a chance of qualifying with one final game to play.
The Super Eagles have won three and drawn two of their last five, lifting them to third in the Group C standings with 14 points, meaning they trail second-placed South Africa by one point and group leaders Benin by three points, while the Cheetahs also have +5 goal difference to Nigeria’s +3.
As a result, Eric Chelle’s side must defeat Benin by a two-goal margin and hope that South Africa drop points in their final match against Rwanda if they are to secure a first-placed finish and return to the World Cup stage, having missed out in 2022.
Nigeria’s upturn in form will give them a much-needed confidence boost heading into this encounter, and their stunning home form against Benin will also give them plenty of belief, as the Super Eagles are undefeated in their 11 home clashes, with 10 wins and one draw.
Benin have, however, been more successful in their most recent meetings with Nigeria, winning one and drawing one of their last three encounters, although the Super Eagles did record a significant 3-0 win in their last home match in September 2024.
Benin will also draw confidence from their recent return to form, having ended a seven-game winless run with three straight victories, all coming in Group C to ensure they head into the final day in top spot.
All the Cheetahs require to secure a place at their first-ever World Cup is to avoid defeat to Nigeria, although they would have to hope South Africa fail to win by more than two goals if Benin draw with the Super Eagles.
Team News
Following Nigeria’s 2-1 victory over Lesotho in their first match of the October international break, Chelle has no option but to make changes.
One change could see Akor Adams, who scored on his Super Eagles debut against Lesotho, come in to replace the suspended superstar Ademola Lookman.
Further back, Alex Iwobi, Wilfried Ndidi and Moses Simon could make up the midfield, while William Troost-Ekong and Calvin Bassey are likely to retain their central defensive positions.
As for Benin, Steve Mounie is their top scorer in CAF Group C with four goals in seven appearances, and the striker is expected to lead the line once again against the Super Eagles.
Aiyegun Tosin scored Benin’s winning goal in their most recent outing against Rwanda, and the attacking midfielder could come into the starting team in place of Dokou Dodo, playing just ahead of Hassane Imourane and Sessi D’almeida at the base of midfield.
Nigeria Predicted XI: Nwabili; Fredrick, Troost-Ekong, Bassey, Onyemaechi; Simon, Ndidi, Chukwueze, Iwobi; Adams, Osimhen,
Benin Predicted XI: Dandjinou; Ouorou, Verdon, Tijani, Roche; D’almeida, Imourane; Dossou, Tosin, Hountondji; Mounie
??? ?? ????? ??
— Bet9ja: The home of #betBOOM! ? (@Bet9jaOfficial) October 14, 2025
Do it for all of Nigeria @NGSuperEagles pic.twitter.com/phJCgS1jc2
Bet9ja Tips
Osimhen has scored in three of his last four appearances against Benin, including in the 3-0 victory in their last meeting with the Cheetahs at their home ground, and we believe the Super Eagles striker will continue his stunning scoring streak with another goal in this one. You can get odds for this to happen of 1.83 with Bet9ja.
Alongside the superstar presence of Osimhen, the likes of Iwobi, Simon and several others clearly make Nigeria the superior side compared to Benin, and while the Cheetahs have performed brilliantly in World Cup qualifying, we believe the Super Eagles will secure the crucial victory in this one.
Furthermore, Nigeria need to win by at least two goals to have any chance of securing first place in Group C, and with the extra motivation of the home crowd supporting them, we believe the Super Eagles will win by the required two-goal margin. You can get odds for this to happen of 3.50 with Bet9ja.
Bet9ja Odds (at time of writing): Nigeria win: 1.40, Draw: 4.60, Benin win: 8.70
Booking codes:
Osimhen to score: 3KHGHTB
Nigeria to win by 2 goals: 3KHGMRR
Nigeria to win 1UP: 3KHGPYP
