Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle and captain William Troost-Ekong have called on Nigerians to rally behind the team ahead of Tuesday’s decisive 2026 World Cup qualifier against Benin Republic in Uyo.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Football Federation has stated that a cracked windscreen of the chartered ValueJet Airline aircraft that was conveying the Super Eagles’ delegation from Polokwane in South Africa to Uyo has delayed the arrival of the players and officials in the Akwa Ibom State capital.
After a routine refuelling stop in Luanda, Angola, the aircraft suffered a cracked windscreen mid-air after take-off, and the pilot did well to guide the airplane safely back to the airport in Luanda.
“ValueJet Airline and the relevant Federal Government of Nigeria authorities, including the Hon. Minister of Aviation, the Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Chief of Staff to Mr President are working assiduously to get the necessary overflying and landing permits for another aircraft to fly from Lagos, pick the delegation in Luanda and fly them to Uyo,” the NFF wrote in their statement.
Speaking after Nigeria’s crucial 2-1 win over Lesotho in Polokwane on Friday, Chelle urged fans to create an intense atmosphere that would put pressure on the visiting Cheetahs.
“I’m proud of my players and I congratulate them. Since March, we’ve been under immense pressure because for Nigeria, qualifying for the World Cup is not optional. My players feel that every time they come to camp. But now, maybe it’s time for other teams to feel the same pressure too,” Chelle said.
“We need our fans to be behind us and make it tough for Benin. This is the World Cup qualifier, the game starts the moment they step into our country. We must do the job on the pitch.”
Troost-Ekong, meanwhile, insisted the Super Eagles would work very hard to reach the World Cup despite their fate not being entirely in their hands.
“We just have to focus on ourselves. We want to do better always. We have team of guys who want to do better. We have a winning mentality, we want to be at the World Cup,” Troost-Ekong said.
“The past nine months has not been easy. Now we have the opportunity with the game in Uyo against Benin Republic. We know we have to score a certain number of goals. We have to win the game convincingly.
“It is going to be a big test again, and we will be ready. We have been working under pressure for a long time. This is the final for us, and we will work very hard to get there. Like the coach said, I’m proud of the team, and we will keep believing until the end.”
The Super Eagles kept their World Cup hopes alive with the victory over Lesotho, but remain third in Group C with 14 points, trailing South Africa on 15 points and leaders Benin Republic on 17 points.
Second-half goals from Troost-Ekong and debutant Akor Adams secured the crucial victory, though goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali’s late error gifted the hosts a consolation goal that made for a nervous finish.
Elsewhere in Group C, South Africa were held to a goalless draw by Zimbabwe in Durban, whilst Benin Republic defeated Rwanda 1-0 in Kigali to maintain their position at the summit.
Nigeria must beat Benin convincingly at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium whilst hoping South Africa fail to defeat Rwanda in Mbombela if they are to top the group and secure automatic qualification.
The Super Eagles departed Polokwane on Saturday for Uyo, where they will hold their final preparations before Tuesday’s showdown.
Nigeria currently trail both Benin Republic and South Africa on goal difference, meaning a strong performance could prove decisive if teams finish level on points.
The Super Eagles are seeking to avoid missing consecutive World Cup finals for the first time in their history, having failed to qualify for the 2022 edition in Qatar.
Tuesday promises to be an eventful day with two matches taking centre stage in Group C, with the results determining which team will secure the automatic qualification spot to the global football competition scheduled for the USA, Canada and Mexico.
