By Africa Citizens Sports Desk
Uyo, Nigeria — October 11, 2025
Nigeria’s World Cup hopes still alive as Éric Chelle rallies players and fans for decisive encounter against Benin Republic.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria remain in the hunt for a 2026 FIFA World Cup ticket after their narrow 2–1 win over Lesotho, setting up a crucial encounter against Benin Republic that could define their qualification journey.
Head coach Éric Sékou Chelle has called on Nigerians to stand united behind the team as they prepare for the high-stakes showdown in Uyo. Speaking to reporters after the Lesotho game, Chelle emphasized the importance of belief, resilience, and national pride.
“We’re still alive — that’s what matters,” Chelle said. “The boys showed character and discipline. We know what this match means to our country, and we will fight for it.”
Nigeria’s win over Lesotho, sealed by goals from William Troost-Ekong and Jerome Akor Adams, gave the Super Eagles a lifeline after a shaky start to the qualifiers. The team now sits third in Group C, behind Benin and South Africa, with everything to play for in the final round.
Chelle faces challenges ahead of the decisive fixture. Forward Olakunle Olusegun remains unavailable due to administrative issues, while midfield rotations continue to test the team’s depth. Despite this, morale in camp is described as focused and determined.
The storyline adds extra intrigue as Gernot Rohr, the former Nigeria coach who led the Super Eagles to the 2018 World Cup, now manages Benin — a twist that gives the fixture added emotional weight.
Across the country, fans are rallying online under hashtags #SoarSuperEagles and #RoadTo2026, urging the players to deliver when it matters most.
“We’ve come too far to give up now,” one supporter in Lagos said. “This is about more than football — it’s about national pride.”
Kick-off is expected to draw a packed crowd at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, where Chelle’s men will look to rise to the occasion and keep Nigeria’s World Cup dream alive.
