Group C leaders in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Benin, have suffered a huge setback ahead of Tuesday’s crucial clash with Nigeria in Uyo.
The Cheetahs will be at Godswill Akpabio Stadium for a showdown with the Super Eagles who are also still in with a chance of going to the quadrennial global football tournament. Both sides need three points in a final-day confrontation that promises an exciting end to this qualifying campaign.
But Benin have been dealt a huge blow as they go into Tuesday’s match without two key players. The duo is suspended after each picked up a second yellow card against Rwanda on Friday.
WHO ARE THE SUSPENDED BENIN PLAYERS OUT OF THE NIGERIA TIE?
Centre-back Yohan Roche who plays for Romanian side FC Petrolul Ploiesti and defensive midfielder Sessi D’Almeida of Azerbaijani outfit Neftchi PFK are ruled out. That leaves coach Gernot Rohr having to adjust his defensive approach to the Super Eagles game.
“It was a difficult game, of course. Rwanda wanted absolutely to win and we wanted to enjoy, in the end, the victory. But we still have to do something great in Uyo,” Rohr told Nigerian journalist Osasu Obayiuwana.
“We have lost two players [for the match against Nigeria] as a result of a second yellow card. But all is possible for the three teams [Bafana Bafana, Benin and Nigeria]. We now have the decision [to win in Uyo] in our hands.
“This can be a little advantage. But we will see, we will see. Big suspense, until the end [of the qualifying series].”
While Benin are concerned about the absence of their two players, Nigeria coach Eric Chelle will have to make plans without his striker Ademola Lookman who is also suspended. The Atalanta BC man collected his second yellow card against Lesotho in Polokwane on Friday.
Also going into the final day without a suspended key player are Bafana Bafana who will miss the services of defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi after the Orlando Pirates centre-back was red-carded late in the game against Zimbabwe.
Stellenbosch FC central defender Thabo Molisane has been called up to replace Mbokazi.
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