Nigeria’s Super Eagles will conclude their build-up for the decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Benin Republic with a final workout scheduled for 6:30 p.m. today (Monday) at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
The players landed in Uyo on Sunday morning after a stressful and eventful journey from Polokwane, South Africa. Their chartered ValueJet aircraft encountered a cracked windscreen mid-flight, prompting the pilot to return to Luanda, Angola, as a safety measure before continuing the trip.
Upon arrival, the squad checked into the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel in Ikot-Ekpene and later went through a light recovery routine at the stadium. That session focused mainly on mobility drills, passing coordination, and mild tactical adjustments to refresh the players after the long trip.
According to team insiders, tonight’s session will be the last chance for head coach Eric Chelle to refine his tactical approach and decide on his preferred lineup for Tuesday’s must-win match.
Meanwhile, Benin Republic, currently leading Group C, arrived in Uyo on Saturday and had their first training session at the practice ground on Sunday morning. They are expected to train at the main pitch of the Godswill Akpabio Stadium by 5 p.m. today, before Nigeria’s turn later in the evening.
The much-anticipated clash between both West African sides will kick off at 5 p.m. on Tuesday. Both nations remain in the race for the group’s only automatic qualification slot for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
In another Group C fixture happening simultaneously, South Africa will face Rwanda in Mbombela, a result that could also determine how the group standings finish.
