Nigeria vs Benin Prediction & Betting Tips (14 October)

The stakes are high for these two nations during this 10th and final day of Qualification for the 2026 World Cup. Nigeria and Benin can qualify! Advantage in Benin before this final meeting with this 1st place and this short lead of 2 points over South Africa which will host Rwanda, 4th, and 3 lengths over Nigeria, 3rd. The "Super Eagles", who have conceded only 1 defeat in 9 days, have just taken 7 points since the beginning of September against Rwanda 1-0, South Africa 1-1 and Lesotho 1-2 this Friday. The only nation undefeated at home, 1 win and 3 draws, Nigeria must win in Uyo to be among the top two in this group.Benin, in the event of defeat this Tuesday, can abandon its leadership position and find itself 3rd and eliminated if South Africa beats Rwanda at home.

The leader can lose everything during this last trip to Nigeria. The Cheetahs, after a long barren series between October 15, 2024 and June 9, 2025, 4 draws and 4 defeats, have just signed 3 victories in a row in these Qualifiers which allowed them to climb to the highest step of the podium. Steve Mounie's teammates 5 goals beat Zimbabwe 1-0, bottom of the group, and Lesotho 4-0 at home then Rwanda 0-1 away this Friday, October 10.

Nigeria’s campaign has been a rollercoaster, marked by inconsistency and missed opportunities. Despite boasting a squad filled with European-based talent, including the likes of Victor Osimhen and Samuel Chukwueze, the Super Eagles have struggled to assert dominance in the group. Coach Eric Chelle has faced criticism for tactical rigidity, but the recent win over Lesotho suggests a potential turning point. The team’s defensive frailties remain a concern, especially against a Benin side that has proven capable of capitalizing on narrow margins. With only the group winner guaranteed a spot in the World Cup, the pressure on Nigeria is immense.

As the countdown to kickoff continues, anticipation is reaching fever pitch. Nigeria’s superior head-to-head record against Benin—14 wins in 19 meetings—offers a psychological edge, but history alone won’t secure victory. Benin’s strategy will likely involve a compact defense and swift counterattacks, knowing a draw is enough for them. Nigeria, meanwhile, must go all out for the win, balancing aggression with caution. Given the stakes and recent form, a tightly contested affair is expected. Our prediction leans toward a 2-1 victory for Nigeria, a result that would keep their World Cup hopes flickering, pending results from other group fixtures.

• Summary: Nigeria is going head to head with Benin starting on 14 Oct 2025 at 16:00 UTC at Godswill Akpabio International Stadium stadium, Uyo city, Nigeria. The match is a part of the FIFA World Cup, Qualification CAF, Group C .