Jodel Dossou: “We Won’t Be Pushed Around” — Benin Republic Ready to Make History Against Nigeria

Benin Republic midfielder Jodel Dossou has vowed that the Cheetahs will give everything to secure a historic qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as they prepare for a crucial final Group C showdown against the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

Gernot Rohr’s men currently sit at the top of the group with 17 points, and a win — or even a draw — could be enough to seal their first-ever World Cup ticket, depending on the outcome of the South Africa vs Rwanda clash.

Speaking confidently ahead of the decisive encounter, Dossou expressed the team’s belief and readiness to fight till the very last whistle.

“We have our destiny in our own hands. It will be an electric match — Nigeria’s last chance,” the midfielder told Mega Sports. “But we won’t let ourselves be pushed around either. We’ll do everything we can to get a positive result and keep dreaming.”

The Cheetahs will travel to Uyo to face Nigeria at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on Tuesday — a match that could redefine the footballing map of West Africa.

Opinion: Benin’s Big Dream and Nigeria’s Heavy Burden

There’s something poetic about this moment — a David versus Goliath story playing out in African football. Benin Republic, long seen as the underdog, suddenly stands at the brink of history, led by a familiar face to Nigerians — Gernot Rohr, the former Super Eagles coach who now has the chance to deny his old team a World Cup ticket.

It’s a story thick with irony, passion, and pride.

For Benin, this is more than just football. It’s a nation’s dream — the hope of proving that discipline and teamwork can overcome reputation and history. Their journey under Rohr has been steady, and the belief in the squad is unmistakable. Dossou’s words reflect not arrogance, but conviction — the kind born from preparation and unity.

For Nigeria, however, this is a battle of redemption. The Super Eagles, giants of African football, are staring at the edge of disaster. Missing out on the World Cup again would be a national heartbreak, one that could shake the very foundations of the team’s credibility and leadership.

So, when both sides meet in Uyo, it won’t just be about 90 minutes of football. It’ll be about pride, legacy, and the shifting power dynamics of African football.

And perhaps, just perhaps, the Cheetahs of Benin are ready to roar louder than ever before.