PRESIDENT Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Nigeria’s Super Eagles on their emphatic 4–0 victory over the Cheetahs of Benin Republic, commending the team for restoring national pride and keeping the country’s World Cup dream alive.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga sent to News Point Nigeria Sports, the President lauded the team’s “hunger, passion, and determination” during the crucial FIFA World Cup qualifying match held at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
The victory lifted Nigeria to second place in Group C with 17 points just one behind South Africa, who top the group with 18 points keeping alive the Eagles’ hopes of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup scheduled to be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
President Tinubu, while celebrating the impressive performance, urged the players and technical crew not to relent in their pursuit of qualification.
“While the job is not yet complete, I join millions of Nigerian football fans in wishing our team every success in the playoffs,” he said.
“The mood across the country reflects a shared belief that Nigeria deserves a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. As your President, I assure you and the coaching crew of the Federal Government’s continued support as you strive to secure your place at the tournament. Nigerians everywhere believe in you — and I do too.”
The President added that the team’s performance had “reignited Nigerians’ football pride” and represented a unifying moment for the nation.
The Super Eagles put up their most spirited display of the qualifying campaign under coach Eric Chelle, dominating the Cheetahs with a blend of pace, precision, and power.
Star striker Victor Osimhen opened the scoring in the third minute, before doubling the lead with a towering header eight minutes before halftime. Despite losing Samuel Chukwueze to injury at halftime, substitute Moses Simon assisted Osimhen’s hat-trick goal midway through the second half.
Still needing an extra goal to secure a playoff spot, Nigeria struck again in the 90th minute, when Frank Onyeka volleyed home Simon’s cross to seal a commanding 4–0 win sparking wild celebrations among fans across the nation.
Although South Africa’s 3–0 win over Rwanda guaranteed their direct qualification, Nigeria’s superior goal difference now places them among the best runners-up, virtually assuring a playoff slot in the Confederation of African Football (CAF) mini-tournament.
CAF has confirmed that Morocco will host the decisive four-team playoff to determine Africa’s additional representative for the intercontinental play-offs.
According to Samson Adamu, CAF’s Director of Competitions and Events, the semi-final matches will hold on November 13, 2025, while the final will be played on November 16, 2025.
The top four second-placed teams from the nine qualifying groups will battle it out, with seeding based on FIFA’s October 23, 2025 rankings.
The winner of the Moroccan playoffs will then proceed to the intercontinental play-offs scheduled for March 2026, where they will face opponents from Asia, South America, Oceania, or CONCACAF for a ticket to the global tournament.
“We look forward to seeing you fly our flag proudly on the world stage,” the President said.