After garnering three points from as many matches, Nigeria’s campaign for a ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been the worst in over four decades.
Today in Abidjan, the Super Eagles will be facing the Cheetahs of the Republic of Benin in another tricky tie in the campaign.
After a not-too-impressive performance against South Africa in Uyo on Friday, Finidi has promised that his wards would bounce back from what was generally seen by home fans as a disappointing match.
At the end of that encounter, the South Africans were the happier of the two teams.
Nigeria currently stands second from behind with three points while the Republic of Benin is in third position on five points.
Buoyed by their victory over former group leaders Rwanda, Benin who are handled by former Nigeria manager Gernot Rohr could aim for the skies when they host the Super Eagles. It is not going to be an easy encounter as Rohr’s knowledge of the Super Eagles could be a deciding factor in this match.
However, with Nigeria aware of the potential danger ahead, the Super Eagles must redouble their efforts as a loss tonight will spell doom for them. With the quality of players in his armoury, Finidi has no excuse not to record a fate-enhancing result in Abidjan tonight.
Benin Republic have played against Nigeria 16 times and the Super Eagles have won 13, lost one and drawn two.
Nigeria have also won their last three outings against Benin Republic and will be looking to continue the winning streak.
The Cheetahs on the other hand claimed their first victory against Super Eagles in a 1-0 win in 2017.
Despite their far-from-ideal start, George’s men can put their three consecutive draws behind them by defeating Benin in Abidjan.
This will potentially take the Super Eagles top of the group if South Africa are unsuccessful against Zimbabwe and Lesotho and Rwanda play out a stalemate.
Having missed out on qualification to the last World Cup finals, Nigeria must get their act together and avoid being absent in consecutive editions for the first time since their maiden appearance in 1994.
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