Osimhen Fires Nigeria Ahead in MUST-WIN World Cup Qualifier Against Group Leaders Benin Republic

The final and most decisive match in Group C of the African qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has kicked off with a bang at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo. Nigeria’s Super Eagles, facing a win-or-miss situation, have taken an early lead against table-toppers Benin Republic.

The talismanic forward Victor Osimhen ignited the home crowd by slotting home an early goal, giving Nigeria the crucial advantage they desperately sought.

The stakes could not be higher for both West African nations. Going into the match, the Benin Republic led the group with 17 points and needed only a draw to secure a historic maiden qualification for the World Cup. Nigeria, meanwhile, sat in a precarious third position with 14 points, knowing that anything less than a victory would extinguish their hopes of reaching the finals in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

With the current scoreline, the race for qualification remains an intense three-way battle. The early Osimhen goal has momentarily lifted the Super Eagles into a stronger position, but their fate remains closely tied to the result of the simultaneous match where South Africa is also reported to be leading Rwanda.

Nigeria’s starting XI, which saw four changes from their previous victory, features a front line led by Osimhen and Akor Adams, with Wilfred Ndidi captaining the side. The Super Eagles will look to maintain their intensity, as a victory by a two-goal margin or more is what they truly need to put significant pressure on South Africa and secure at least a runners-up spot for the play-offs.

All eyes are now fixed on Uyo as the Super Eagles fight to overturn a campaign that has been fraught with tension and unexpected results, including a 2-1 defeat to Benin in the reverse fixture last year. The destiny of Group C now hangs in the balance, with every minute of this final matchday being crucial.