Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, has assured Nigerians that his team will approach Tuesday’s clash against the Cheetahs of Benin Republic with total focus and determination, as the race for the 2026 FIFA World Cup intensifies.
Addressing journalists at a pre-match press conference held at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Monday, Chelle said the players are motivated and understand the weight of the task before them.
“We have to win this game tomorrow. I have to put my mind into tomorrow’s game — we must win and nothing more,” he declared. “We want to go to the World Cup. I am very happy, very excited. Sometimes, we may be a little nervous, but we are ready.”
Nigeria currently sit third in Group C with 14 points, trailing leaders Benin Republic with 17 points and South Africa with 15. The Super Eagles must defeat Benin — ideally by a wide margin — and hope for a favourable result in the South Africa versus Rwanda match to keep their qualification hopes alive.
Despite travel challenges that affected the team’s arrival in Uyo, Chelle said morale remains high and the players are united in their goal to deliver a strong performance.
Team captain William Troost-Ekong echoed his coach’s optimism, saying the players are motivated to make history and restore national pride.
“There are players here who want to make names for themselves, and those who want their names to go down well in history,” Ekong said. “Tomorrow may not be 100 per cent in our hands, but we will do our best and fight to win the match.”
The 2024 AFCON Player of the Tournament added that the team understands the magnitude of the fixture and is determined to reward Nigerian fans with victory.
Meanwhile, Benin Republic’s coach, Gernot Rohr who formerly managed the Super Eagles expressed confidence that his team can secure qualification with a positive result in Uyo.
“My boys are in high spirits and in an advantageous position to get victory tomorrow,” Rohr said, insisting that his side has the discipline and belief to withstand Nigeria’s pressure.
The Super Eagles have participated in six World Cups since their debut in 1994 but failed to qualify for the 2022 edition in Qatar. A win on Tuesday, coupled with a slip from South Africa, could see Nigeria move a step closer to returning to football’s biggest stage.
Thousands of fans are expected to fill the Godswill Akpabio Stadium to cheer the Super Eagles as they fight to keep their World Cup dreams alive.
