Super Eagles manager, Finidi George, has expressed the team's strong desire to secure a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The 53-year-old said this upon arrival in Abidjan for their game against Benin Republic at Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny on Monday.
The three-time African champions are winless after three rounds of matches, having drawn all their games.
The Super Eagles will go into this game on the back of a 1-1 stalemate with South Africa at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Friday.
Nigeria are placed fifth on the Group C table, trailing their Monday opponents, who are placed third, by one point.
Finidi George rallies Super Eagles ahead of crucial Benin clash
Speaking to the Nigerian Football Federation's (NFF) official website, Finidi highlighted the importance of focus and determination as the Super Eagles prepare for their upcoming World Cup qualifying match against Benin Republic.
Reflecting on their recent performance and outlining their strategy moving forward, Finidi said, “We’re very much aware of why we are here and what we have to do. The players want to go to the World Cup and they have resolved to give their all in every game going forward. We had our opportunities against South Africa on Friday and should have won, but that is gone and we face another challenge now.”
“We have resolved not to look too far ahead in this race. The essence is to take it one match at a time. Benin Republic is in our front now, and we must deal with that squarely.”
Nigeria vs Benin H2H
Nigeria have faced Benin a total of 16 times, with their first encounter occurring on 17 February 1977 in an international friendly.
Nigeria won that match 7-0. Their most recent meeting was on 21 March 2021 at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, where the Super Eagles emerged victorious with a 1-0 scoreline. In all 16 games played, Nigeria have won 13, lost 1, and drawn 2.
