Nigeria and Benin Republic will both miss key players in Tuesday’s World Cup qualifier in Uyo.
Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman and Benin’s Sessi d’Almeida and Yohan Roche are suspended after picking up their second yellow cards.
Both Nigeria and Benin Republic will be without important players when they meet in Tuesday’s crucial Group C World Cup qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
Benin Republic’s coach, Gernot Rohr, confirmed that midfielder Sessi d’Almeida and defender Yohan Roche will not feature after receiving their second yellow cards during their team’s 1–0 victory over Rwanda. Rohr described the suspensions as unfortunate but insisted that the team remains in control of its qualification hopes.
“We have lost two players because of yellow cards, but everything is still open for the three teams, South Africa, Benin, and Nigeria,” he said. “The decision is in our hands, and anything can happen.”
Nigeria will also be missing one of their key forwards, Ademola Lookman, who picked up his second booking of the qualifiers in the 64th minute of Friday’s 2–1 win against Lesotho. Under CAF’s regulations, he will serve a one-match suspension.
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle played down the impact of Lookman’s absence, saying the team has enough quality to cope. “The squad remains focused and confident. Lookman’s suspension is unfortunate, but we have enough depth to perform well,” he stated.
Chelle added that the Atalanta winger will still support his teammates off the pitch as they push to keep Nigeria’s World Cup qualification hopes alive.
The Super Eagles currently sit third in Group C behind South Africa and Benin Republic. Tuesday’s clash in Uyo is a must-win for Nigeria, who need full points to stay in contention for a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
