Nigeria star forward Victor Osimhen ready for super eagles last FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Benin Republic on Tuesday, and he will be on the pitch as former coach of Nigeria, Gernot Rohr and his army will try to hold off a fast-finishing Nigeria for direct entry into the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Victor Osimhen, who plays for Turkish giants Galatasaray, says Nigeria enter the must-win encounter as underdogs.
“Against Benin, we will be underdogs, and Benin are the favourite to win. Because we have been playing so well in our games, that is low for our standards, it just doesn’t come together,” he said.
“We cannot promise our fans much. But we will fight. This group keeps on giving – it doesn’t stop. We hope it will be our turn to be on top on Tuesday if we play our part as players. I don’t want to talk much about other things, but I am not happy [with] how we represent our country.”
TEAM NEWS: NIGERIA
In a big blow for coach Eric Chele, Ademola Lookman, the 2024 African Ballon d’Or winner, will be unavailable against Benin Republic due to suspension.
Lookman, who plays for Italian club side Atalanta, was booked for the second time in two matches in their 2-0 win against Lesotho on Friday, triggering a one-match ban for the talented forward.
Key defender Ola Aina will miss his second straight match for the Super Eagles as he recovers from an injury sustained against South Africa on September 9.
Chele will likely play his side in a 4-2-3-1 formation with Osimhen as the lone striker.
Who: Nigeria vs Benin
What: CAF qualifiers for FIFA 2026 World Cup
Where: Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, Nigeria
When: Tuesday at 5pm Nigerian Time (16:00 GMT)
