SUPER Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, has expressed optimism that his team will rise to the occasion in Tuesday’s decisive 2026 World Cup qualifier against the Cheetahs of Benin Republic, assuring Nigerians that the players are mentally ready and fully focused on victory.
News Point Nigeria Sports reports that Chelle gave the assurance on Monday during the pre-match press conference at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, where the Super Eagles will host the high-stakes encounter.
Nigeria currently sit third in Group C with 14 points, trailing Benin Republic who top the table with 17 points, and South Africa in second place with 15 points. A win against Benin could significantly boost Nigeria’s qualification hopes ahead of the final group matches.
Despite reported travel hitches that delayed the team’s arrival in Uyo, Chelle said the mood in camp remained positive and determined.
“We have to win this game tomorrow. I have to put my mind into tomorrow’s game; we must win and nothing more and we know what to do to win,”
Chelle declared confidently.
He emphasised that the team’s mission is clear to secure qualification and restore Nigeria’s pride on the global stage.
“We want to go to the World Cup. I am very happy, very excited. Sometimes, we may be a little nervous, but we are ready,” he added.
Team captain, William Troost-Ekong, also exuded confidence, assuring fans that the players were highly motivated to deliver a convincing result that would keep Nigeria’s qualification hopes alive.
“There are players here who want to make names for themselves, and those who want their names written in history,”
Ekong said.
However, he admitted that while the outcome of the match might not depend entirely on them, the team would give everything on the pitch.
“Tomorrow may not be 100 per cent in our hands, but we will do our best and play to win,”
he added.
Meanwhile, Benin Republic coach, Gernot Rohr, a former Super Eagles boss, also sounded upbeat ahead of the clash, saying his side was in good form and confident of victory.
“My players are in high spirits. We are in a good position and confident of qualifying for the World Cup,”
Rohr stated.