2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers - Nigeria vs Benin Preview: Kick-off time, TV channel & squad news

The star-studded Super Eagles have been struggling to intimidate their less-fancied opponents with a squad made up of big-name players.

With Hull City's new signing, Semi Ajayi, unavailable for this match, Chidozie Awaziem or Calvin Bassey is likely to partner captain William Troost-Ekong in central defence.

Despite not featuring for Atalanta this season, forward Ademola Lookman still has the trust of under-pressure coach Eric Chelle, who has seven Premier League players in his squad.

The Malian dropped key forwards like Victor Boniface, Umar Sadiq and Taiwo Awoniyi from his squad and would hope that decision will not come back to bite him.

Nigeria possible XI: Nwabali, Aina, Troost-Ekong, Osayi-Samuel, Bassey, Ndidi, Iwobi, Chukwueze, Simon, Lookman, Osimhen.

Since Adel Amrouche took over as Rwanda coach in March, he has guided Rwanda to two defeats and a draw, and the Algerian/Belgian will be looking for his first win as Amavubi trainer.

Rwanda will be without forward Lague Byiringiro, the Belgian-based duo Samuel Gueulette and Hakim Sahabo, as well as defender Clement Niyigena.

Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari is expected to start in goal, and keeping a clean sheet in Uyo will be key for Rwanda.

Rwanda possible XI: Ntwari, Manzi, Niyomugabo, Mutsinzi, Ngwabije, Mugisha, Niyigena, Omborenga, Hamon, Kagere, Bizimana

Nigeria have recorded just one win in six games of these qualifiers and, interestingly, that victory was against Rwanda.

They have shared spoils four times, and while also losing to Benin and that amounts to 11 points being dropped.

Their opponents, Rwanda, have a record of two wins, two draws and as many draws in this campaign. 

The Wasps are back at Godswill Akpabio Stadium, where they famously stunned Nigeria 2-1 in a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier last year. 

Head-to-head record in recent years

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