Sports
2026 WCQ: Nigeria, Benin to play without key players
Benin coach Gernot Rohr confirmed that midfielder Sessi d’Almeida and defender Yohan Roche will miss the trip to Uyo after picking up their second yellow cards in the Cheetahs’ 1-0 win over Rwanda.
Rohr described the suspensions as a blow but underlined that his team still control their fate in the group.
“We have lost two players because of a second yellow card,” Rohr told journalist Osasu Obayiuwana, who posted the conversation via X on Friday.
“But all is possible for the three teams (South Africa, Benin and Nigeria). The decision is in our hands. This can be a little advantage. Big suspense until the end,” Rohr affirmed”
Nigeria, too, will be without one of their most dangerous attackers. Ademola Lookman was shown a second booking in the 64th minute of Friday’s 2-1 victory over Lesotho and is ruled out under CAF’s one-match suspension rule for accumulating two yellow cards in the qualifiers.
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle played down the impact of Lookman’s absence, stressing squad depth and mentality as Nigeria chase qualification.
He said, “The team remains focused and confident. Lookman’s suspension is unfortunate, but we have enough depth to compete effectively. Every player must be mentally prepared to contribute, whether as a starter or substitute.”
Chelle added that Lookman will continue to support the side from the bench and in the dressing room as Nigeria hunt points that would keep their World Cup hopes alive.
The Super Eagles are scheduled to face the Squirrels of the Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on Tuesday.
Nigeria sit third in Group C behind Benin and South Africa, making the clash a must-win if the Super Eagles are to remain in contention for a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Iwobi spoke to Tidesports source ahead of Nigeria’s crunch playoff semi-final against Gabon on Thursday, November 13, in Rabat, Morocco.
The 28-year-old was reacting to Nigeria’s shaky World Cup qualifying campaign that saw the Eagles finish second in Group C behind South Africa’s Bafana Bafana.
“We’ve managed to rescue ourselves from the dead,” Iwobi told Tidesports source.
We know we have the players and the abilities to compete against any other country in the world.”
The Fulham star pointed to Nigeria’s star power, highlighting African Footballer of the Year winners Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen as proof of the squad’s quality.
“We have last year’s African best player (Ademola Lookman), the year before that (Victor Osimhen),” he said.
“It’ll be a shame if we don’t make it, but we have a lot of confidence. We just have to prove it to ourselves.”
Nigeria’s path to the United States, Canada and Mexico has been turbulent, with two coaches departing during the early stages of qualifying before Éric Chelle steadied the ship to steer the Super Eagles into November’s CAF playoffs.
Four nations from the continent – Nigeria, Cameroon, DR Congo and Gabon – will vie for a solitary spot to compete in next March’s inter-confederation playoffs, with a view to joining the already nine qualified African nations at the Finals.
It would mark Iwobi’s second appearance at the World Cup Finals and the Super Eagles’ first since the 2018 edition of the competition.
Back then, Iwobi featured in all three games as Nigeria was knocked out in the group stage.
The Chief Executive Officer(CEO) and Publisher of the Atlantic Bell Online medium, Mr. Celestine Ogolo has advised sports writers in Nigeria to diversify in sports writing and not to concentrate on football reporting alone.
The Deputy National President of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) Mr. Bonny Nyong has expressed commitment to support sports development and move SWAN forward.