Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle and team captain William Troost-Ekong have expressed strong confidence that Nigeria will overcome Benin Republic in their decisive 2026 Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup qualifying match scheduled for Tuesday at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.
At a pre-match press conference held on Monday, Chelle stated that his team remains focused and determined to secure the maximum points in what he described as a must-win encounter for Nigeria’s World Cup ambitions.
“We have to win this game tomorrow. I have to put my mind into tomorrow’s game; we must win and nothing more. We want to go to the World Cup. I am very happy, very excited. Sometimes, we may be a little nervous,” Chelle said.
The coach emphasized that despite recent travel challenges that disrupted the team’s preparation, the Super Eagles are mentally and physically ready to deliver a strong performance in front of their home supporters.
Determination and Leadership
Captain William Troost-Ekong echoed his coach’s optimism, assuring fans that the players are highly motivated to make the nation proud. He revealed that both the experienced and emerging stars in the team are eager to etch their names in football history through a memorable win.
“There are players here who want to make names for themselves, and those who will want their names to go down well in history. So, they are fully prepared and will play to win,” Ekong said.
“Tomorrow may not be 100 per cent in our hands, but we try to do our best and win the match.”
According to Ekong, the team understands the significance of the fixture and the high expectations from millions of Nigerian supporters across the globe.
Setback and Recovery
The Super Eagles faced an unexpected travel setback after their flight from Luanda, Angola was forced to make an emergency return due to a cracked windscreen. However, Chelle assured fans that the incident has not dampened the players’ morale.
“It was a challenging experience, but we are grateful to be safe and back on track. The players are in high spirits and focused on victory,” the coach affirmed.
Qualification Hopes Hang in the Balance
Nigeria’s quest for a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, now depends on Tuesday’s result. The Super Eagles currently sit third in Group C with 14 points from nine matches, trailing Benin Republic by three points and South Africa by one point.
To qualify automatically, Nigeria must defeat Benin Republic and hope that South Africa drop points against Rwanda in Mbombela. However, if South Africa win, the Eagles will need a high-margin victory to secure a play-off spot on goal difference.
Having missed the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Nigeria is now on the verge of potentially missing back-to-back tournaments for the first time since making its debut appearance in 1994.
Eyes on Redemption
Chelle reaffirmed that his players are driven by passion, resilience, and a burning desire to redeem the national team’s reputation on the global stage.
“The World Cup is where Nigeria belongs, and we will fight until the final whistle to make that happen,” Chelle declared.
As anticipation builds across the country, millions of fans are expected to tune in and rally behind the Super Eagles as they take on the Cheetahs of Benin Republic in what could define Nigeria’s World Cup fate.
Okay News reports that the atmosphere in Uyo is already electric, with football enthusiasts filling the streets and hotels in anticipation of a thrilling showdown.
