Benin vs Nigeria, 2026 World Cup Qualifying - CAF, Group Stage
· FIFA World Cup Qualifying - CAFAbout
Match Timeline
- 0': Lineups are announced and players are warming up.
- 0': First Half begins.
- 27': Goal! Benin 0, Nigeria 1. Raphael Onyedika (Nigeria) right footed shot from the centre of the box to the centre of the goal. Assisted by Samuel Chukwueze.
- 37': Goal! Benin 1, Nigeria 1. Jodel Dossou (Benin) right footed shot from the centre of the box to the centre of the goal.
- 44': Substitution, Benin. Aiyegun Tosin replaces Jodel Dossou.
- 45': Fourth official has announced 4 minutes of added time.
- 45'+3': Goal! Benin 2, Nigeria 1. Steve Mounié (Benin) right footed shot from the centre of the box to the centre of the goal. Assisted by Mohamed Tijani.
- 45'+4': First Half ends, Benin 2, Nigeria 1.
- 45': Second Half begins Benin 2, Nigeria 1.
- 51': Substitution, Nigeria. Paul Onuachu replaces Alex Iwobi.
- 51': Substitution, Nigeria. Victor Boniface replaces Terem Moffi.
- 60': Substitution, Nigeria. Ibrahim Olawoyin replaces Samuel Chukwueze.
- 60': Substitution, Nigeria. Sodiq Ismail replaces Bright Osayi-Samuel.
- 79': Substitution, Nigeria. Alhassan Yusuf replaces Wilfred Ndidi.
- 87': Substitution, Benin. Mattéo Ahlinvi replaces Junior Olaïtan.
- 90': Fourth official has announced 6 minutes of added time.
- 90'+3': Sodiq Ismail (Nigeria) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
- 90'+7': Second Half ends, Benin 2, Nigeria 1.
- 0': Match ends, Benin 2, Nigeria 1.
Game Information
Venue: Felix Houphouet-Boigny
Location: Abidjan, Ivory Coast
Attendance: 9,000
WCQ - CAF Table
| # | TEAM | GP | GD | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Africa | 10 | +6 | 18 |
| 2 | Nigeria | 10 | +7 | 17 |
| 3 | Benin | 10 | +1 | 17 |
| 4 | Lesotho | 10 | -3 | 12 |
Line-Ups
Benin (4-1-4-1)
| No. | Name |
|---|---|
| 1 | Marcel Dandjinou (GK) |
| 13 | Mohamed Tijani |
| 4 | Cédric Hountondji |
| 15 | Sessi D'Almeida |
| 12 | David Kiki |
| 11 | Rachid Moumini |
| 8 | Hassane Imourane |
| 19 | Dodo Dokou |
| 18 | Junior Olaitan |
| 20 | Jodel Dossou |
| 9 | Steve Mounié |
Nigeria (4-2-3-1)
| No. | Name |
|---|---|
| 23 | Stanley Nwabali (GK) |
| 21 | Calvin Bassey |
| 6 | Semi Ajayi |
| 12 | Bright Osayi-Samuel |
| 5 | Benjamin Tanimu |
| 17 | Alex Iwobi |
| 15 | Raphael Onyedika |
| 4 | Wilfred Ndidi |
| 9 | Terem Moffi |
| 7 | Ademola Lookman |
| 11 | Samuel Chukwueze |
WCQ - CAF News
Africa's World Cup qualifying campaign has seen nine teams secure their places at next year's tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico. However, for four CAF teams, including Nigeria, there's still a glimmer of hope.
Nigeria will not be going ahead with planned friendlies against Venezuela and Colombia in the USA next month, after the Super Eagles qualified for the World Cup playoffs which take place in Morocco at the same time.
Spain still topped the FIFA men's world rankings, with Germany back on track to be a top-seeded team in the World Cup finals draw on Dec. 5.
Victor Osimhen plundered a hat trick and substitute Frank Onyeka scored a pile driver as Nigeria routed Benin in Uyo, to keep their FIFA World Cup qualifying hopes alive.
South Africa's performance to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is symbolic of the resilience that coach Hugo Broos has instilled in the team.