Preview: Benin vs. Nigeria: Super Eagles aim for first victory in 2026 World Cup qualifying

In addition to the three vital points that are at risk, there is an additional wrinkle to Monday's game in Abidjan: former Nigerian coach Gernot Rohr is now guiding Benin.
In the 2026 World Cup qualifying tournament, Nigeria's Super Eagles will play a vital matchup against the Cheetahs of Benin Republic on Monday in an attempt to win their first game.

Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium is the expected venue for the match, and kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m. (Time in Nigeria)

The Eagles are keen to get their campaign back on track after a painful 1-1 draw with South Africa last Friday in Uyo. Currently, they are second from bottom in Group C with three points, having drawn all three the series' games.
After facing a plethora of criticism following the draw with Bafana Bafana, Super Eagles Head Coach Finidi George is keen to silence his detractors with a victory on Monday.
The former Ajax player predicted that Nigeria would play with the utmost seriousness against Benin in order to secure their first three points in the 2026 World Cup qualifying match.
"We intend to take the game quite seriously. The game vs South Africa is no longer played. It has taught us something. All we need to do is motivate ourselves to have the incredible second half that we experienced [against South Africa].I believe we have a chance if we can start tomorrow [today] in that manner. In his press conference prior to the game, Finidi stated.

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Finidi is not the only one who is taking a businesslike approach to Monday's match; Alex Iwobi, one of his players, is also speaking toughly despite the positive memories the former Arsenal star had of being mentored by Rohr during the Super Eagles' charge.

"Abidjan, we've finished training. major, major game tomorrow [today]. We ran into Gernot Rohr; it's good to see him and his team, and it's good to see that he looks good, too. However, tomorrow—as of right now—is war, Iwobi said.

This meeting is sure to be exciting. The match is made more interesting by Rohr's past with Nigeria, as the Eagles are keen to defeat their former manager.



Nigeria has a history of dominating Benin; they have won their last four encounters. The only win for Benin in the previous five meetings came via a penalty in 2017.


One important element would be the well-known Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium, which played host to several of Nigeria's successful 2023 AFCON games. Nigeria wants to take use of the comforts of home in order to increase their domination.

Telecom Team News: Dele-Bashiru who saved a point against South Africa, is questionable for the encounter because of an injury he received during play. Finidi George, the coach, will evaluate the extent of the injury.

Samuel Chukwueze, who made a 24-minute cameo in the previous game, is anticipated to be fully healthy and perhaps start after returning from action with AC Milan.

It is anticipated that Benin would start with the same lineup against Nigeria as they did against Rwanda, winning 1-0.

The hero who beat Rwanda to seal the victory, Dokou Dodo, is a great contender to hold down his midfield position.

Steve Mounie is still the key offensive threat up front. He will probably be the main offensive player, with Junior Olaitan and Jodel Dossou on either side of him.