[ad_1]
The Cheetahs will face Nigeria in Abidjan Felicia on Monday at 4pm local time, on the fourth day of the 2026 USA-Canada-Mexico World Cup qualifiers, where Benin will have its first turning point in Group C. Points against group favorites.
Back against the wall favorite
After three days in Group C, Nigeria is yet to register a win. The Super Eagles have drawn three games in a row and therefore have only three points. Nigeria is fifth out of six teams and has found themselves in a tough spot despite only having one direct qualification. The reigning African champions and neighbouring giants have changed coaches, with Portuguese Jose Peseiro giving up his spot to George Finidi. The former Nigeria international must now build on his momentum with little time on his hands. After losing at home to South Africa three days ago, Nigeria already has an obligation to get a result tomorrow against Benin, but their task could become more complicated in a tight group.
Keeping the momentum going
Benin are back on track after their win over Rwanda last Thursday, and if successful they could finish top of the group. The idea is to keep the momentum from two consecutive clean sheets in two qualifiers. It might be a good exercise to make a point in the context of the meeting without going for minimalism. But a win would put Benin in the lead. Cheetahs head coach Gernot Rohr knows the secrets of World Cup qualifying, having done it for Nigeria in 2018, taking over during the qualifiers and leading the team to the finals. The Franco-German was also Benin’s executioner in Porto-Novo in 2021. Benin has lost all three of the last three official matches between the two countries since 2010. The real challenge starts with maintaining their place in this derby.
Possible combinations
Rohr, who was recognized for his fidelity to the tactical update, should not have shaken up his team and the technical staff should have fielded the same eleven that had played against Rwanda three days earlier.
[ad_2]
Source link
