Nigeria vs Benin Predictions - Nigeria backed in must-win World Cup qualifier

John Eastwood

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Last updated: 2 hours ago

John Eastwood 2 hours ago

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Nigeria must win to compete for top two in Group C.
Benin leads, needs a draw to advance; unbeaten in last three games.
A crucial clash with potential World Cup implications for both teams.

Nigeria are unbeaten in their last 3 World Cup qualifiers. (Getty Images)

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Nigeria vs Benin Predictions

Nigeria have a very strong squad but they have not really put it together in this qualifying campaign. At home though, in a must-win game, I fancy the big names to step up and secure the three points. Whether that will be enough remains to be seen.

Nigeria vs Benin Predictions
Head to Head
Nigeria Form
Benin Form

Nigeria are unbeaten in their last 3 World Cup qualifiers.
Benin have won their last 3 World Cup qualifiers.
Benin have kept a clean sheet in their last 3 World Cup qualifiers.

Head to Head

These two met in March 2024 during this qualifying campaign. Benin won that fixture 2-1 at home.

Nigeria Form

This is a huge final World Cup qualifier for Nigeria who currently sit third in Group C. They simply must win to have any chance of getting into the top two, and should they achieve that, they will be level on points with Benin at the top.

However, then Nigeria will also require South Africa to lose or draw against Rwanda. If South Africa win they will move to top spot (if Nigeria beat Benin). Then it will come down to goal difference between Nigeria and Benin – Benin are currently + 5 and Nigeria +3.

Last week, Nigeria held on to beat Lesotho 2-1 away from home. It was not the most convincing performance, but the three points is all that mattered. They will want to win a bit more comfortably in this fixture.

Benin Form

The equation is simple for Benin as it is all in their hands. They currently top the table with 17 points, two clear of South Africa and three clear of Nigeria.

In order to make the playoffs, a draw will suffice, but a draw could also send them to the World Cup if South Africa don’t win and better their goal difference. Defeat and Benin will be sweating about the other game in the group.

Last week, Benin managed a crucial 1-0 away win against Rwanda. They have won their last three qualifiers to nil, twice 1-0 either side of a 4-0 win over Lesotho.

Verdict

Nigeria v Benin

I am backing Nigeria to win and BTTS in this fixture. A 2-1 victory is tipped for the Super Eagles.

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Nigeria Win 2-1

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