2026 WCQ: Benin Republic arrive in Uyo ahead of decisive clash with Super Eagles

By Oluwadamilola Olaleye

The Benin Republic national team is expected to arrive in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on Saturday afternoon ahead of their pivotal 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifying (WCQ) Matchday 10 encounter against Nigeria’s Super Eagles.

The high-stakes fixture, scheduled for Tuesday at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, could prove decisive in the race for Group C’s sole automatic ticket to the World Cup in North America.

Nigeria revived their qualification hopes on Friday with a narrow 2–1 win over Lesotho in Polokwane, closing the gap on group leaders Benin Republic.

The Cheetahs, meanwhile, edged Rwanda’s Amavubi in Kigali with a dramatic late goal to maintain a three-point lead over their West African rivals.

Both teams are set to arrive in Uyo around the same time. The Super Eagles will fly in aboard a chartered ValueJet aircraft from Polokwane, while the Benin delegation will land at the Obong Victor Attah International Airport.

Managed by former Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr, the Benin Republic squad tops Group C with 17 points and will be looking to secure their first-ever World Cup appearance.

Rohr, who led Nigeria to the 2018 World Cup in Russia, will return to Uyo with his new side for what promises to be an emotionally charged contest.

Eric Chelle’s Super Eagles must win by at least two clear goals and hope South Africa drop points against Rwanda in Nelspruit to finish atop the group and seal automatic qualification for the 2026 finals.

Egyptian referee Amin Mohamed Omar will officiate Tuesday’s encounter, assisted by countrymen Mahmoud Abouelregal (assistant referee 1), Ahmed Tawfik Ali (assistant referee 2), and Mahmoud Moustafa Elbana (fourth official).

Seychelles’ Jason Joseph Damoo will serve as referee assessor, Ghana’s Prosper Harrison Addo will act as match commissioner, while eSwatini’s Xolile Vilakati has been appointed as security officer for the match.

Samuel Ahmadu

Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. On the back of domestic engagement since 2008, he began his international career journey at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams.In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.

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