SUPER Eagles head coach Finidi George remains confident ahead of today’s crucial 2026 World Cup qualifier against Benin Republic, handled by former Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr.
The Nigerian delegation of 23 players, technical crew and Nigeria Football Federation officials landed in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire yesterday afternoon for the encounter, scheduled for the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium from 5pm today.
With the Super Eagles fifth in the six-team African qualifying Group C after three disappointing draws, only a win today will restore hope of ending the campaign on top of the pile and earning the only guaranteed World Cup slot.
“We’re very much aware of why we are here and what we have to do,” Finidi said.
“The players want to go to the World Cup and they have resolved to give their all in every game going forward.”
The Super Eagles have had to come from behind and draw 1-1 in all their three matches in the series so far but Finidi believes his side should have beaten South Africa in Uyo on Friday night in his first competitive match in charge.
“We had our opportunities against South Africa on Friday and should have won, but that is gone and we face another challenge now,” the former Enyimba coach noted.
“We have resolved not to look too far ahead in this race. The essence is to take it one match at a time. Benin Republic is in our front now, and we must deal with that squarely.”
The Super Eagles are on three points, two behind leaders Lesotho in the group, with Rwanda, South Africa and Benin Republic all on four points after three rounds of matches.
Benin Republic are hosting the Super Eagles in Abijdan, Cote d’Ivoire because there are no approved stadiums in the country at the moment.
Incidentally, the Super Eagles won all three matches they played at the Felix Houphouet Boigny on their way to reaching the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final earlier in the year.
Gabonese official Pierre Ghislain Atcho will be the referee for today’s encounter, with Ethiopians Temesgin Samuel Atango and Tigle Gizlaw Belachew assisting him, while Cameroonian Antoine Max Effa Essouma will be fourth official.
Djamel Haimoudi from Algeria will be the referee assessor, with Burkinabe David Yameogo as commissioner and Ivorian Atte Claude Elloh as security officer.
