2026 WCQ: Nigeria, Benin To Miss Key Players In Crucial Clash

As anticipation builds for Tuesday’s decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier successful Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, some Nigeria and Benin Republic volition beryllium without cardinal players owed to suspension.

Benin manager Gernot Rohr confirmed that midfielder Sessi d’Almeida and defender Yohan Roche volition miss the travel aft receiving their 2nd yellowish cards successful the Cheetahs’ 1-0 triumph implicit Rwanda past week.

Speaking with writer Osasu Obayiuwana, Rohr admitted the absences were a setback but expressed assurance that his broadside tin inactive find their ain destiny.

“We person mislaid 2 players due to the fact that of a 2nd yellowish card,” Rohr said. “But each is imaginable for the 3 teams, South Africa, Benin and Nigeria. The determination is successful our hands. This tin beryllium a small advantage. Big suspense until the end.”

Nigeria volition besides beryllium without 1 of her prima attackers, Ademola Lookman, who picked up his 2nd booking of the qualifiers successful the 64th infinitesimal of Friday’s 2-1 triumph implicit Lesotho. The Atalanta guardant volition service a one-match suspension successful enactment with CAF regulations.

Super Eagles caput manager Eric Chelle played down the interaction of Lookman’s absence, insisting that his squad has capable extent and quality to cope.

“The squad remains focused and confident. Lookman’s suspension is unfortunate, but we person capable extent to vie effectively. Every subordinate indispensable beryllium mentally prepared to contribute, whether arsenic a starter oregon substitute,” Chelle said.

He added that Lookman volition proceed to enactment the squad from the sidelines and successful the dressing country arsenic Nigeria aimed to unafraid maximum points successful Uyo.

The Super Eagles look the Squirrels of Benin Republic astatine the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium connected Tuesday, with some sides alert that a triumph could beryllium decisive successful the contention for World Cup qualification.

LEADERSHIP reports that Nigeria presently beryllium 3rd successful Group C, down Benin and South Africa, making the brushwood a must-win if they are to support their hopes of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup alive.