The last FIFA World Cup qualifying game will be held on Tuesday as Nigeria welcome Benin Republic to the Uyo Township Stadium in a bid to secure a ticket to the 2026 World Cup.
The Super Eagles gave themselves a glimmer of hope after defeating Lesotho 2-1 at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, with South Africa also playing to a draw in their respective fixture to boost Nigeria's chances ahead of their last qualifying game.
On the other hand, the Cheetahs have won their last three games in a row and are closing in on a place at the World Cup. Their recent win was a narrow 1-0 victory over Rwanda in the last qualifying game, maintaining their current top spot in the group. However, they will need to defeat the Super Eagles to cement their World Cup spot.
Read our Nigeria vs Benin predictions and preview to find out, but remember to also check our other World Cup qualifiers predictions.
Contents
Nigeria vs Benin prediction: Super Eagles to secure a win
Key statistics
- Super Eagles have defeated the Cheetahs three times in their last five encounter.
- Three of their last five meetings have ended in BTTS.
- Both teams have played over 2.5 goals in three of their last five meetings.
Correct score prediction: Nigeria 2-1 Benin
Super Eagles will be going all out in this game to secure a win and we are predicting a narrow 2-1 victory for Nigeria based on the fact that they have only won by a two-goal margin during the qualifying series.
Although the Super Eagles have struggled to win games convincingly, we still believe in their superior attacking quality to win games for them. Based on our prediction, we expect the visitors to make it a difficult game as they also need a win to qualify for the World Cup, but we expect Nigeria to come out on top in Uyo.
Pre-match odds and win probability: Nigeria strong favourites
- Home: 1/3 (1.33) – 75.0%
- Draw: 16/5 (4.20) – 23.8%
- Away: 15/2 (8.50) – 11.8%
*Odds provided by Ladbrokes. Subject to change.*
The Super Eagles of Nigeria head into the match as strong favourites with a 75.0% chance of victory at 1.33 odds. Benin face a difficult task defeating Eric Chelle’s men, having been given an 11.8% chance at 8.50 odds, while a draw is priced at 4.20, giving it a 23.8% probability, meaning the Super Eagles are expected to win the game.
Most recent head-to-head: Nigeria edge previous meetings
In their last five meetings, Nigeria have defeated the Cheetahs three times and Gernot Rohr’s men have secured one win, with just one draw between them. The recent history includes Benin's surprising 2-1 victory in June 2024, but is preceded by a dominant 3-1 win for Nigeria in September 2024.
Africa Cup of Nations Qualification 14/11/24
Benin
Nigeria
Africa Cup of Nations Qualification 07/09/24
Nigeria
Benin
Africa - World Cup Qualifying 10/06/24
Benin
Nigeria
Africa Cup of Nations Qualification 27/03/21
Benin
Nigeria
Africa Cup of Nations Qualification 13/11/19
Nigeria
Benin
After reviewing our key Nigeria vs Benin predictions, be sure to visit our website for the remaining football betting tips today.
Nigeria preview: Key players to miss the game
Nigeria will have to cope without Ademola Lookman, who is suspended after picking up a yellow card in the win over Lesotho. Adding to the team’s absentees, Cyriel Dessers is ruled out with an ankle injury and is expected to be out of action for a few weeks.
Predicted lineup: Nwabali (GK), Fredrick, Troost-Ekong, Bassey, Onyemaechi, Ndidi, Iwobi, Chukwueze, Simon, Osimhen & Arokodare
Last five fixtures
- 10.10.25 – Lesotho 1 – 2 Nigeria
- 09.09.25 – South Africa 1 – 1 Nigeria
- 06.09.25 – Nigeria 1 – 0 Rwanda
- 19.08.25 – Nigeria 2 – 0 Congo
- 12.08.25 – Sudan 4 – 0 Nigeria
Benin preview: Three key players to miss the clash
Benin will be without some key players following head coach Gernot Rohr's announcement that Sessi D’Almeida and Yohan Roche will miss the game against Nigeria after receiving their second yellow card in the Cheetahs’ narrow 1–0 victory over Rwanda on Friday. The team will also have to do without Junior Olaitan, who is sidelined with a muscle injury and is not expected to return until late October 2025.
Predicted lineup: Dandjinou (GK), Ouorou, Verdon, Tijani, Roche, D'Almeida, Imourane, Dossou, Dokou, Hountondji & Mounie
Last five fixtures
- 10.10.25 – Rwanda 0 – 1 Benin
- 09.09.25 – Benin 4 – 0 Lesotho
- 05.09.25 – Benin 1 – 0 Zimbabwe
- 09.06.25 – Morocco 1 – 0 Benin
- 25.03.25 – Benin 0 – 2 South Africa
Player to watch: Victor Osimhen
IMAGO / Shengolpixs
Victor Osimhen continues to be a crucial player for Nigeria, having shown his impressive form at the club level with three goals across all competitions and has also scored three goals during the World Cup qualifiers. His explosive pace, physical strength, and clinical finishing make him a constant danger to the Cheetahs’ backline.