Onigbinde Urges Super Eagles to Fight for World Cup Dream Against Benin Republic
Former Super Eagles head coach Adegboye Onigbinde has called on Nigeria’s national team to give their all when they face Benin Republic in a make-or-break 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Tuesday.
The crucial fixture will take place at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, with kickoff scheduled for 5:00 pm (Nigerian time).
Currently sitting third in Group C with 14 points from nine matches, the Super Eagles must defeat Gernot Rohr’s Benin Republic while hoping that South Africa drop points against Rwanda to secure qualification for the global showpiece.
Onigbinde, who twice managed the Super Eagles, admitted disappointment at Nigeria’s precarious position but expressed faith in the team’s ability to deliver when it matters most.
“It’s a pity that we find ourselves in this situation, but then, I expect the Super Eagles to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. Whether or not we are adequately prepared for that is what I don’t know,” Onigbinde told Complete Sports.
“The players must do the needful first against Benin and hope for favours elsewhere.”
💭 Opinion: When Pride Meets Pressure — Super Eagles’ Moment of Truth
There are matches that test tactics, and then there are matches that test spirit. Tuesday’s showdown in Uyo will be both.
The Super Eagles have danced dangerously close to missing out on the World Cup, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. With Gernot Rohr — their former coach — now leading Benin Republic, the fixture adds an emotional twist. It’s not just about qualification; it’s about redemption.
Onigbinde’s words echo what many Nigerians feel — cautious hope. The talent is there, but the question remains: does the team have the hunger? This is not the time for excuses or half-hearted performances. It’s a time for grit, unity, and execution.
If the Super Eagles can summon the energy and focus that once made them feared across Africa, victory is within reach. But anything less than total commitment could see Nigeria watching the 2026 World Cup from afar — a heartbreak the nation can’t afford.
Tuesday’s game isn’t just a fixture; it’s a battle for pride, identity, and legacy.
