 "Osimhen, Iwobi to spearhead Super Eagles against Benin")
Nigeria face a decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against the Republic of Benin in Uyo, with head coach Eric Chelle expected to rely on a familiar set of experienced stars led by Victor Osimhen and Alex Iwobi.
The Super Eagles must win by at least two goals and hope South Africa fail to beat Rwanda to keep their qualification hopes alive.
Osimhen, Nigeria’s top scorer in the campaign with three goals, will spearhead the attack alongside Tolu Arokodare, while Moses Simon and Samuel Chukwueze are expected to provide width. Fulham midfielder Iwobi is set to link up with Wilfred Ndidi in the centre, offering balance and creativity in Ademola Lookman’s absence.
Captain William Troost-Ekong and Calvin Bassey will anchor the defence, with Stanley Nwabali retaining his place in goal.
Kickoff is 5:00 PM at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, where Chelle’s men must deliver to avoid back-to-back World Cup absences — a first since 1994.