Coach Eric Chelle says the Super Eagles will give their all against Benin Republic in today’s final Group C clash of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Nigeria, currently third in the group, must win in Uyo and hope South Africa drop points against Rwanda in Nelspruit to secure qualification.
Benin Republic top the group with 17 points and need only a draw at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium to qualify ,for their first-ever FIFA World Cup.
South Africa, second with 15 points, will advance with a win over Rwanda, unless Nigeria defeat Benin by two or more goals.
Chelle expressed confidence in his team’s mindset ahead of the match.
“We know the odds, but our focus is on winning,” Chelle told newsmen during a pre-match conference on Monday.
“We owe it to ourselves, to the fans, and to the badge.
“We can’t control what happens in Nelspruit, but we can control how we play here in Uyo,” he said. “We’re ready to fight for the result.”
Nigeria have featured in six World Cup tournaments since debuting in 1994. They aim to avoid back-to-back absences after missing the Qatar 2022 edition.
Despite sitting third, the Super Eagles have lost only once in the group. Benin and South Africa have lost two matches each.
Benin, coached by former Nigeria boss Gernot Rohr, are unbeaten in their last four qualifiers and have impressed throughout the campaign.
“Benin are well organised and confident. They’ve earned their position,” Chelle said.
“But we have experience and quality. We’re not stepping aside.”
Nigeria’s squad includes key players with tournament experience.
Captain William Ekong and midfielder Alex Iwobi played at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
Ekong, the 2024 AFCON Player of the Tournament, will earn his 83rd cap. Iwobi is set for his 89th appearance.
Top scorer Victor Osimhen, along with Calvin Bassey, Frank Onyeka and Samuel Chukwueze, are among those targeting a first World Cup appearance.
Benin have qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations only four times, reaching the quarter-finals in 2019.
Nigeria have won the continental title three times.
Injury and suspension have affected both squads.
Nigeria will be without Ademola Lookman, Ola Aina and Bright Osayi-Samuel.
Benin miss Yohan Roche and Sessi d’Almeida.
“Injuries are part of football,” Chelle added.
“But we have depth, and I believe in the players available. Everyone is ready to step up.”
Benin’s population of 11.5 million will back Rohr’s team, while over 220 million Nigerians, including thousands in the stands, will rally behind the Super Eagles.
A two-goal win for Nigeria, and failure by South Africa to beat Rwanda, will send the Super Eagles to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.
