Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle and team captain William Troost-Ekong have vowed to defeat Benin Republic in Tuesday’s decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
Speaking at a pre-match press conference on Monday, Chelle assured Nigerians that the team was fully focused and determined to secure a win in the crucial encounter.
“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.
Troost-Ekong also expressed confidence in the team’s readiness and motivation to deliver a strong performance.
“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,” the captain said. “Tomorrow may not be 100 per cent in our hands, but we’ll try to do our best and win the match.”
Despite travel challenges that delayed the team’s arrival in Uyo due to an aircraft windscreen crack that forced an emergency return to Luanda, Angola, Chelle said the players were in high spirits and eager for victory.
Nigeria’s qualification hopes for the 2026 FIFA World Cup remain slim as they face group leaders Benin Republic in the final Group C clash.
Having missed out on the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the Super Eagles risk failing to qualify for consecutive tournaments for the first time since making their debut in 1994.
Nigeria currently sit third in Group C with 14 points from nine matches, three behind Benin Republic and one point adrift of South Africa.
To qualify automatically, the Super Eagles must defeat Benin Republic and hope South Africa fail to beat Rwanda in Mbombela. If South Africa win, Nigeria would still need a wide-margin victory to secure a play-off spot on goal difference.