The Super Eagles face a must-win clash against Benin Republic on Tuesday at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, with three key players set to miss the decisive encounter, Afrosport report.
The race for the only automatic ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Group C will go down to the wire, with Nigeria, Benin and South Africa still in contention.
The three-time African champions will be without reigning African Footballer of the Year, Ademola Lookman, who is suspended after receiving a yellow card during Friday’s 2-1 win over Lesotho in Polokwane.
The Atalanta forward, who was booked for dissent in the 64th minute, had been one caution away from suspension and will now sit out the tie.
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has played down the impact of Lookman’s absence, insisting his team has the depth to cope.
“The team remains focused and confident heading into the encounter,” Chelle said. “We have enough depth to compete effectively despite the setback. Lookman’s suspension is unfortunate, but the squad possesses the character and determination to secure victory.”
He added: “Every player must be mentally prepared to contribute, whether as a starter or substitute. We must maintain focus and take full control of our qualification destiny.”
Meanwhile, Benin will also be without two key players — defender Yohan Roche and midfielder Sessi d’Almeida — who are both suspended after picking up their second yellow cards of the qualifiers in their 1-0 win over Rwanda.
Despite the setback, Benin coach Gernot Rohr remains optimistic: “We have lost two players [for the match against Nigeria] as a result of a second yellow card, but all is possible for the three teams [South Africa, Benin and Nigeria].
“We now have the decision [to win in Uyo] in our hands. This can be a little advantage. But we will see, we will see. Big suspense until the end [of the qualifying series].”
Nigeria currently sit third in Group C, three points behind leaders Benin and one behind South Africa. To qualify for the World Cup, they must beat the Cheetahs and hope Bafana Bafana drop points against Rwanda.
