WCQ: Ekong benched as Adams pairs Osimhen in attack for Eagles against Benin

William Troost-Ekong has been left out of the starting line-up for the Super Eagles’ final Group C game of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against the Benin Republic. 

The captain is replaced on the team by Semi Ajayi, who pairs with Calvin Bassey at the heart of the Nigerian defence.

Eric Chelle, the Super Eagles head coach, has also handed Akor Adams his first start with the team.

The 25-year-old striker came on from the bench to score on his debut in Nigeria’s 2-1 victory over Lesotho on Friday.

He will be pairing with Victor Osimhen as the tip of the Nigerian attacking force that must defeat the Benin Republic in their quest to seal an automatic ticket to the World Cup.

Zaidu Sanusi also replaces Bruno Onyeamaechi in the left-back position, while Samuel Chukwueze steps in for Ademola Lookman, who is suspended due to card accumulation.

Simon Moses, Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Frederick Benjamin and Stanley Nwabali all reprised their roles from the previous game.

The Super Eagles will face the Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium at 5 pm.

Nigeria sits third in Group C with 14 points. The team must defeat Benin Republic with a clean sheet or by a significant goal margin and hope South Africa fail to get three points against Rwanda to guarantee an automatic ticket.

More of the permutations and scenarios are explained here.

Super Eagles Starting XI: Stanley Nwabali, Semi Ajayi, Benjamin Fredrick, Calvin Bassey, Zaidu Sanusi; Wilfred Ndidi (C), Alex Iwobi; Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Akor Adams, Victor Osimhen.