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Coach Eric Chelle has assured that the Super Eagles will give their utmost effort in Tuesday’s decisive Group C match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against the Benin Republic. Currently sitting third in the group, Nigeria must secure a win in Uyo and hope South Africa drops points against Rwanda in Nelspruit to keep their qualification hopes alive. Group leaders Benin Republic, with 17 points, need only a draw at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium to reach their first-ever World Cup. South Africa, in second place with 15 points, will qualify if they beat Rwanda, unless Nigeria wins by at least two goals.
Speaking at a pre-match press conference on Monday, Chelle expressed confidence in his team’s determination. “We understand what’s at stake, but our focus is on winning. We owe it to ourselves, our fans, and the nation. We can’t control what happens in Nelspruit, but we can control how we perform here in Uyo. We’re ready to fight for the result.”
Nigeria, who have appeared in six World Cups since their debut in 1994, are determined to avoid missing consecutive tournaments after failing to qualify for Qatar 2022. Despite sitting third, they have lost just one game in the group, fewer than Benin and South Africa, who each have two defeats. Benin, led by former Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr, is unbeaten in their last four qualifiers and has impressed throughout the campaign. “Benin are well-organized and confident, and they deserve their position,” Chelle acknowledged. “But we have experience and quality. We’re not backing down.”
The Super Eagles will rely on seasoned players such as captain William Troost-Ekong and Alex Iwobi, both of whom featured at the 2018 World Cup. Ekong, the 2024 AFCON Player of the Tournament, is set to earn his 83rd cap, while Iwobi will make his 89th appearance. Star striker Victor Osimhen, along with Calvin Bassey, Frank Onyeka, and Samuel Chukwueze, is among those aiming for their first World Cup.
Both teams face injury setbacks: Nigeria will be without Ademola Lookman, Ola Aina, and Bright Osayi-Samuel, while Benin will miss Yohan Roche and Sessi d’Almeida. “Injuries are part of the game,” Chelle noted. “But we have enough depth, and I trust every player available. Everyone is ready to give their best.”
With Benin’s 11.5 million people cheering Rohr’s side and over 220 million Nigerians rallying behind the Super Eagles, anticipation is high. A two-goal victory for Nigeria, coupled with South Africa failing to beat Rwanda, would send the Super Eagles to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
