Nigeria v Benin live: World Cup 2026 qualifier score and updates plus South Africa-Rwanda latest – UK Times

Less than 10 minutes until kick-off as World Cup qualifying reaches its dramatic conclusion.

If Benin win, they’re heading to the World Cup. Nigeria, meanwhile, need a victory to keep their hopes alive. But in the Mbombela Stadium, South Africa could well take it out of the hands of the Super Eagles, regardless of what happens here.

The teams are coming out…

South Africa were deducted three points for fielding an ineligible player, when Teboho Mokoena played during their win over Lesotho in March, which keeps alive Nigeria’s hopes.

If Nigeria win 2-1, then the Super Eagles and Benin will have identical records and force Fifa’s regulations over disciplinary records (accumulation of yellow and red cards) to separate them in the group.

South Africa can take top spot if they beat Rwanda and Benin lose, while a Benin draw and a South Africa win by two or more goals will also see Hugo Broos’ side advance.

Nigeria need to win either 1-0, or by a two-goal margin, and then wait for a favour from Rwanda to avoid defeat to South Africa.

The runners-up standings, to determine who enters the play-offs, will be calculated without results against sides who finish bottom in each group, after the withdrawal of Eritrea from Group E.

The Benin head coach also added that his side will ‘give everything’ to reach the World Cup.

“We’ve learned to adapt, to stay focused no matter where we play,” he added.

“This team has heart, and we’ll give everything for the result we want.”

At long last, we learn Benin’s starting XI for this afternoon’s clash. A reminder of their simple objective this afternoon: if Benin win, they go to the World Cup

Benin XI: Dandjinou; Ouorou, C. Hountondji, Verdon, Imourane, Mounie, Tosin, Kiki, Tijani, A. Hountondji, Dodo.

Benin head coach, Gernot Rohr, says his team will aim to win the match against Nigeria today and secure top spot in the group.

Benin have played most of their matches away from home in thie group but they are top of the standings with one match to play.

“South Africa played seven out of ten games at home — that’s a big advantage for them. It’s not equal,” he said.

“But we’ve played all our matches away, not a single one at home, and we’re used to it. We are going for a win.”

Equatorial Guinea have fired coach Juan Micha and kicked out several key players after a strike meant the team failed to travel to Malawi for a World Cup qualifier, with the country now facing possible sanctions from world football body Fifa.

Several regulars, including veteran captain Emilio Nsue, have also been removed from their squad for their last Group H qualifier against Liberia on Monday, officials said on Sunday.

Half an hour until kick-off and we are still yet to hear who Benin will be fielding against Nigeria.

They’re billing today’s showdown as “not a derby, it’s a final!”

Nigeria have dominated this fixture historically and need to win again tonight. They trail Benin by three points in the group and must take all three of them to remain in with the chance of qualifying for the World Cup.

Nigeria lost 2-1 in the reverse fixture during this campagin and must better that result tonight to leapfrog Benin in the table.

Here’s the head-to-head history and results between the two side:

Nigeria manager Eric Chelle has called on the supporters create an intense atmosphere this evening.

He said: “I’m proud of my players and I congratulate them. Since March, we’ve been under immense pressure because for Nigeria, qualifying for the World Cup is not optional.

“My players feel that every time they come to camp. But now, maybe it’s time for other teams to feel the same pressure too.

“We need our fans to be behind us and make it tough for Benin. This is the World Cup qualifier, the game starts the moment they step into our country. We must do the job on the pitch.”

Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live via the Fifa+ streaming service.