BOTH Nigeria’s Super Eagles and the Cheetahs of Benin Republic will be without key players when they clash in a decisive Group C World Cup qualifier on Tuesday at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.
News Point Nigeria Sports reports that the match, which could determine the fate of both sides in the race for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, will see the two West African rivals line up short-handed after crucial suspensions.
Benin coach Gernot Rohr confirmed that midfielder Sessi d’Almeida and defender Yohan Roche will not travel with the team to Uyo after both players picked up their second yellow cards during the Cheetahs’ hard-fought 1–0 victory over Rwanda last week.
Speaking to journalist Osasu Obayiuwana in comments shared via X (formerly Twitter) on Friday, Rohr described the suspensions as a setback but expressed optimism that his side can still get the job done.
“We have lost two players because of a second yellow card,” Rohr said. “But all is possible for the three teams, South Africa, Benin, and Nigeria. The decision is in our hands. This can be a little advantage. Big suspense until the end.”
Nigeria will also feel the absence of one of their most in-form player, Ademola Lookman, who was shown a yellow card in the 64th minute of the Super Eagles’ 2–1 win over Lesotho in South Africa on Friday.
The caution was his second in the qualifiers, automatically ruling him out under CAF’s one-match suspension rule.
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle downplayed the impact of Lookman’s suspension, insisting that the team possesses the depth and mentality to secure victory at home.
“The team remains focused and confident,” Chelle said. “Lookman’s suspension is unfortunate, but we have enough quality to compete effectively. Every player must be mentally ready to step up, whether as a starter or substitute.”
The coach added that Lookman will continue to play a leadership role off the pitch.
“He’s a committed member of the squad and will support the team from the bench and dressing room. What matters now is collective focus, the mission is qualification.”
Nigeria currently sit third in Group C, trailing Benin and South Africa, making Tuesday’s fixture a must-win encounter to revive their qualification hopes.
The Super Eagles will be counting on home support and attacking reinforcements to deliver maximum points against Rohr’s resilient Benin side, a team coached by the same man who once led Nigeria to third place at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.
