Former Super Eagles captain Mikel Obi has showered special praise on Victor Osimhen for rising to the occasion to ensure that Nigerians could still dream of their team playing at next year’s World Cup.
Last month, Osimhen fired a hat-trick for the Super Eagles fly past Benin 4-0 to make the CAF World Cup Playoffs on the final day of the qualifying tournament.
“Our (Nigeria) World Cup dream is still alive,” Mikel Obi said as per SCORENigeria on his Obione Podcast. “I spoke about it before the last two games. I said whatever is happening, whatever is going on with the FA, all the negativity, all the corruption and everything that is going on, those two games were must-win games, and we did that.”
Mikel singled out Osimhen for special praise.
“Credit to the boys, they absolutely did that, and of course, the main man we’ve talked about so many times on this podcast,” he remarked.
“Absolutely brilliant. Yes, it was against Benin. People can say he scored a hat-trick, but you still have to score this hat-trick; you still have to show up. It was our biggest game of the season.
“If we didn’t win that game, we wouldn’t be talking about trying to qualify for the World Cup.
“Victor Osimhen has singlehandedly kept us alive. One of the biggest games, he’s come out and scored a hat-trick. You can see the intensity, passion and aggressiveness he shows.
“When the pressure is on, the big boys step up, and that’s exactly what he has done. He’s the big boy in that team right now and we all needed him.
“The games that he didn’t play and the number of games that we won without him compared to the games we won with him in the team are incredible,” he added.
In a related development, Osimhen has equally earned the plaudits of his Super Eagles’ teammate Paul Onuachu who reportedly rated the Galatasaray’s forward a ‘better striker’ than himself.
Both Nigeria internationals clashed in Saturday’s Trendyol Turkish Super League match between Galatasaray and Trabzonspor which ended goalless at Rams Park Stadium and Onuachu admitted Osimhen ‘is the better striker’ when reportedly quizzed by a journalist en route to the RAMS Park exit.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has named the Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat as the venue for the 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff between the Super Eagles and Gabon.
The highly anticipated clash is scheduled for Thursday, November 13, marking the 10th meeting between the two nations.
Ivorian international Jonathan Bamba has stirred debate after omitting the Super Eagles from list of favourites for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
Despite Nigeria finishing as runners-up in the last edition hosted by Côte d’Ivoire, the AFCON 2023 winner, failed to shortlist the three-time African champions among likely to lift the trophy.
Speaking ahead of the tournament, the Lille forward backed his country to perform strongly despite the fierce competition expected at the continental showpiece.
“I have an excellent feeling about it. The team is good, with a rotating squad. Despite the injuries, the team remains competitive. It’s great,” Bamba said.
“I don’t know if we are favourites, but I have a good feeling about this CAN.
“We know the favourites — Senegal with its top players, Morocco also present, and Algeria too. But in this kind of competition, you may be the favourite, but it’s the pitch that speaks,” he noted.
Bamba’s omission of Nigeria — finalists just months ago — has sparked mixed reactions among fans, who believe the Super Eagles deserve recognition after their impressive run at the last edition where they finished with the silver medal.
With the tournament drawing closer, his comments could serve as added motivation for Nigeria as they seek redemption and a fourth continental title in Morocco.
Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has confidently asserted that Nigeria’s primary ambition at the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco is to clinch a prestigious fourth continental title.
Nigeria last won the AFCON title in 2013 during the reign of late Coach Stephen Keshi after previous wins at the 1980 edition hosted by Nigeria as well as the 1994 edition hosted by Tunisia.
The current tem under coach Eric Sekou Chelle is entering the continental tournament with renewed determination, following a narrowly contested final in the last edition where they lost to the hosts, Côte d’Ivoire, in a nail-biting 2-1 margin.
Reflecting on the 2023 AFCON experience, Troost-Ekong suggested that the challenges faced during the epic finale against the Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire have served as an invaluable lesson for the players.
“Winning the trophy (in Morocco) is our only goal,” Troost-Ekong noted in an interview with CAFOnline.
He continued :“We learned so much from the last AFCON final. Looking back, Côte d’Ivoire were the better team on the day, but we gained experience—some of our players were in a first major final for their nation. “
“Now the target is to get there again, use that experience, reach the latter stages and know what to do to go all the way, hopefully.”
He acknowledged that although Côte d’Ivoire proved to be the stronger side on that particular day, the experience of competing in such a significant match was enlightening for the squad comprised of many players who were participating in their first major final for the Super Eagles.
Pressed if the Super Eagles can be counted as one of the favourites at Morocco 2025, the Saudi Arabia-based defender admitted matter-of- factly, adding the West African side has what it takes to go all the way again.
“I think that’s overstated,” the 32-year-old with 82 caps said. “We’ve got an amazing squad—too many players to name—but objectively, Morocco are at home and in great form; Côte d’Ivoire are defending champions; Senegal,… there’s no such thing as a clear favourite at AFCON. “ “Last time, not many tipped us to go that far. You can’t win a tournament with expectations, and we won’t get complacent. AFCON is difficult, and strong teams can emerge from unexpected places. We trust ourselves, but I wouldn’t say we’re clear favourites.”
Nevertheless, Ekong reckoned that the Super Eagles must gird their loins to best the rest of the continent in Morocco , saying there must be consistent going forward.
He volunteered: “Heart, togetherness and consistency. Côte d’Ivoire showed real spirit—every setback seemed to fuel belief. From my experiences—third place, then second—momentum has to grow through the tournament. New stars often emerge; it’s not always the names you expect. Start well, manage emotions, don’t get carried away when things go right or panic when they don’t. Tournaments are won in phases: grow through the group, then approach each knockout game calmly.”
The Super Eagles are placed in Group C in a tricky section with Uganda, Tunisia and Tanzania; and they open their account on December 23 against the Taifa Stars to be followed with matches against Tunisia on the 27th and December 30th against the Cranes of Uganda.
They last clashed at the delayed 2021 AFCON, which Cameroon hosted in 2022, with Nigeria recording a 1-0 victory in a group game courtesy of a super strike by Kelechi Iheanacho. Nigeria will open the training camp for the AFCON on December 10.
They are drawn in a first round group that has Tunisia and East African giants Tanzania and Uganda.
The Super Eagles have reportedly cancelled their international friendly matches against Venezuela and Colombia, which were set to be played in the United States next month. This decision comes as the team shifts focus to the upcoming African playoffs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The friendlies were scheduled for November 14 in Houston against Venezuela and November 18 in New York against Colombia. However, those dates now clash with Nigeria’s crucial Play-Off fixtures, which will take place in Morocco.
An official of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) explained that the potential for such a conflict had been anticipated in the event of qualification for the playoffs.
“We had a clause in the contract for the games covering this eventuality, if we qualified for the playoffs,” the NFF representative told ESPN. “So we will not be going ahead with the matches anymore
The NFF emphasized that the team’s primary focus is now on securing a place at the 2026 World Cup through the African playoff stage. Should they advance, the Super Eagles will then turn their attention to the intercontinental playoffs.
“This is the most critical phase of our journey to the World Cup,” the official added. “Every effort and resource must now be directed towards achieving qualification.”
Football is indeed a game of moments — moments that break hearts, moments that heal nations and moments that remind us why we believe. For the Super Eagles, their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying journey has been a stormy voyage through doubt, despair and redemption. From a near-collapse to a thunderous resurgence, the Super Eagles have proven once again that Nigerian football’s story is never short of drama, grit and glory write TUNDE LIADI , DANIEL OYEKAN & AKIOLAMILEKAN ISRAEL
After months of turbulence and widespread criticism, the Super Eagles have clawed their way back into reckoning for a ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be staged in North America.
Their emphatic 4–0 victory over Benin Republic in Uyo wasn’t just a win — it was a statement. A declaration that the pride of Africa’s most passionate football nation still burns bright.
Victor Osimhen’s hat-trick and Frank Onyeka’s late goal reignited national optimism, marking a powerful statement from a team eager to reclaim its place among football’s elite after missing the 2022 edition in Qatar.
When Eric Chelle took over as head coach earlier this year, the mood was bleak. The Super Eagles were flirting with elimination, fans had grown impatient and faith in the team was at an all-time low.
But football, like life, has a way of rewarding resilience and on Tuesday’s evening in Uyo, Nigeria reminded the world that they remain a force capable of rising when it matters most.
It wasn’t always this hopeful. The qualifiers began with sluggish draws and underwhelming performances that left the team languishing in the group. Critics called it the “lowest point” since 2012. But Chelle’s arrival injected purpose and identity back into the squad. His tactical structure, coupled with renewed discipline, gradually restored belief — culminating in the breath-taking demolition of the Cheetahs of Benin.
Head coach Eric Sekou Chelle lauded his players’ character, saying: “They’ve shown great spirit and adapted quickly to a new system. This win is just the beginning; the road ahead will be tough but I’m proud of their fight.”
He also hailed the fans’ energy and praised Osimhen’s leadership, calling him “the best striker in the world right now.”
With the result they earned in Uyo , the Super Eagles should have picked up the automatic ticket from Group C, but once more, Rwanda’s Amavubi failed to hold things tight for Nigeria at the crucial hour, crumbling like a pack of cards to South Africa’s Bafana Bafana in Nelspruit. It was November 2005 all over again, when all the Amavubi needed to do was hold Angola to a draw on the final matchday at home in Kigali but they conceded a late goal by Fabrice Akwa to render Nigeria’s five-goal rout of Zimbabwe in Abuja inconsequential, instead sending Angola to their first FIFA World Cup finals.
Nevertheless, Captain William Troost-Ekong echoed his coach’s optimism. “We would have loved the automatic ticket, but we’ll fight through this path. What matters is belief — we’re united and ready for the next challenge,” he said.
In the CAF Play-offs, Nigeria will take on Gabon’s Palancas Negras in a ‘first semi-final’ on Thursday, 13th November, with Cameroon taking on the Democratic Republic of Congo in the ‘second semi-final’ on Friday, 14th November.
The two winners clash on Sunday, 16th November in the ‘final’, with the winner to proceed to the Intercontinental Play-offs scheduled for the Mexican cities of Guadalajara and Monterrey in March next year.
At the International Play-off Tournament, six teams will battle for two tickets. The teams are Africa’s winner, Bolivia, New Caledonia, winner of Asian play-off between Iraq and the United Arab Emirates and two of Jamaica, Costa Rica and Panama
Ahead of the ‘long route’ in the Play-Offs and on evidence of the new found form of the Super Eagles, former international goalkeeper Alloy Agu summed up the national mood: “This is the Nigeria we know — hungry, disciplined, and united. If they stay focused, the World Cup ticket is achievable.”
With renewed belief and the nation’s support behind them, the Super Eagles are once again on the rise — daring to dream of 2026.
Another Nigeria international Victor Ikpeba was among those who hailed the turnaround.
“You have to give Coach Chelle credit,” Ikpeba, who was named the 1997 CAF Player of the Year said. “He came in when confidence was low, when results were poor, and he’s managed to get the boys believing again. The football is now more organized, more purposeful.”
Ikpeba, who once dazzled for Monaco, noted that Nigeria’s victory wasn’t just about tactics but about rekindling unity and identity.
“You can see structure and intent again. The team looks united — that’s what we’ve been missing.”
If there’s a heartbeat to this revival, it’s Victor Osimhen. The Galatasaray hitman scored a sensational hat-trick on Tuesday — each goal carrying the roar of a nation rediscovering its belief. His relentless energy, hunger, and leadership have turned him from a striker into a symbol.
Former Golden Eaglets coach Nduka Ugbade couldn’t hide his admiration.
“What Osimhen did against Benin is not just about goals; it’s about leadership, belief, and heart. He carries the team the same way Rashidi Yekini once did for Nigeria,” Ugbade enthused. “He plays with the spirit of the greats — Yekini, Maradona, even Pele. That’s greatness.”
Ugbade added that Osimhen’s rise has inspired a new generation:
“Every young player in Nigeria now wants to be like Osimhen — not just for his talent but for his resilience and story.”
Former Super Eagles goalkeeper Alloy Agu believes Nigeria’s revival was rooted in discipline and teamwork.
“The boys showed hunger, discipline and professionalism. It’s a joy to see the Super Eagles play with such purpose again,” Agu said. “You could see unity in the squad. Everyone knew their job and executed it perfectly. That’s what makes great teams.”
For another former Nigeria international, Sam Sodje, the emphatic win came as no surprise. The former Portsmouth defender said it was vintage Nigeria — rising strongest when written off.
“This is the real Nigeria,” Sodje declared. “When everyone doubts us, that’s when we come alive. This performance shows what happens when we play for the badge. This is how champions react.”
Sodje described Osimhen as “something special” and praised the blend of youth and experience Chelle has instilled.
“His leadership, his hunger — that’s what separates great players. Nigeria is lucky to have him.”
Even in defeat, Benin Republic’s coach Gernot Rohr — the man who once guided Nigeria to the 2018 World Cup — couldn’t help but admire the Super Eagles’ rebirth.
“Nigeria were just too good,” Rohr admitted. “They have world-class players and showed why they remain one of Africa’s best sides.”
Rohr singled out Osimhen’s clinical display and Chelle’s tactical imprint.
“Osimhen is a fantastic striker — one of the best in the world. When he’s in this kind of form, it’s almost impossible to stop him.”
Despite the heavy loss, Rohr acknowledged that the Nigerian team he once led has evolved into a more dynamic, fearless side.
“They play with intensity and belief again. That’s what makes them dangerous.”
Meanwhile, Atlanta 1996 Olympic Games soccer gold medallist, Mobi Oparaku has defended the current squad of the Nigerian senior team, insisting that the Super Eagles are not a “one-man team” as some critics have claimed.
The former Iwuanyanwu Nationale right back attributed the team’s earlier struggles to instability on the technical bench.
“There has been a lot of reshuffling of coaches which has affected the team,” Oparaku told Brila FM. “The players are good, but the constant changes in management disrupted their rhythm and performance.”
Another soccer gold medallist at Atlanta 1996 and former Super Eagles’ midfield generalissimo, Garba Lawal, was upbeat about Nigeria’s prospects, expressing confidence that the Eagles have the quality to beat any opponent in the playoff.
“The players put themselves in this situation but they’ve also turned things around,” Lawal said. “After the CAF playoff comes the Intercontinental playoff, and if the Eagles play the way they did against Benin Republic, they can overcome anyone. But there must be no room for complacency.”
Also speaking, ex-left back Ifeanyi Udeze said the team’s second-half performance against Benin Republic gave Nigerians a glimpse of what to expect in the crucial playoff battles ahead.
“If we can show the same energy and intensity we displayed in the second half against Benin Republic when we face Gabon and in subsequent games, we’ll qualify for the World Cup,” Udeze noted.
Nigeria’s next test comes on November 13th when they face Gabon in Morocco in the playoff semifinal. Victory there would set up a potentially explosive clash with either Cameroon or DR Congo — a continental dogfight for the right to reach the Intercontinental Playoffs in March next year.
Ranked 45th in FIFA’s September 2025 ranking, Nigeria stands among Africa’s top sides and could be seeded should they get to the intercontinental phase — potentially facing lower-ranked opponents like Bolivia (77th ) or New Caledonia (150th ) for a place at the World Cup.
Former defender Godfrey Oboabona summed up the collective sentiment best:
“We’re not there yet but we’re close. The players have made us proud, and if they keep this momentum, we’ll be celebrating World Cup qualification soon,” he said.
From near elimination to roaring redemption, the Super Eagles’ journey has been one of courage, unity, and revival. A few months ago, hope was faint. Today, it burns bright.
Nigeria is not at the World Cup yet — but the fight, the fire and the faith are back. And for a country that lives and breathes football, that’s the most important victory of all.
Since their debut at the USA 1994 World Cup, the Super Eagles have qualified for five other editions including France 1998, Korea/Japan 2002, South Africa 2010, Brazil 2014 and Russia 2018-reaching the Round of 16 three times. Though they missed the 2022 edition, their recent form and fighting spirit suggest a nation ready to rise again.
The flight to North America is still boarding and the Super Eagles can dream again of making the 2026 World Cup party as they headed for next month’s Continental Play-Off in Morocco.
Captain William Troost-Ekong has affirmed the Super Eagles’ readiness to give the CAF Play-Off Tournament for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Morocco next month their very best shot even as he appealed for patience and unwavering support from Nigerians as the team continues its quest for World Cup qualification, following Tuesday’s emphatic 4–0 victory over the Benin Republic.
“We are quite happy to have that opportunity, it is a long route but it is a route after all,” the 32-year-old Ekong said in an official NFF statement.
“For us, we will remain strong and tough and ready to confront every challenge on our way as we search for the ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“It was a wonderful team effort on Tuesday evening. Everyone contributed; each person played their part. If the other match had gone in favour, we would be with the automatic ticket now. But that’s life. You take what you get and run with it, and make the best of it,” he noted.
In the CAF Play-offs, Nigeria will take on Gabon’s Palancas Negras in a ‘first semi-final’ on Thursday, 13th November, with Cameroon taking on the Democratic Republic of Congo in the ‘second semi-final’ on Friday, 14th November. The two winners clash on Sunday, 16th November in the ‘final’, with the winner to proceed to the Intercontinental Play-offs scheduled for the Mexican cities of Guadalajara and Monterrey in March next year.
At the International Play-off Tournament, six teams will battle for two tickets. The teams are Africa’s winner, Bolivia, New Caledonia, winner of Asian play-off between Iraq and the United Arab Emirates, and two of Jamaica, Costa Rica and Panama.
Meanwhile, defender with Saudi side, Al-Kholood Club defender who has already earned an impressive 82 International Caps, underlined the significance of wearing the Nigeria’s colours , stressing it comes with immense pressure and responsibility.
“It’s not easy to wear this shirt — it’s very heavy,” he noted at the presser following Tuesday’s win in Uyo. “Many players stood up and took responsibility today, and that’s what we need. Everyone is trying, giving their best. It’s not always perfect, but we’re united in our effort to make Nigerians proud.”
Yet Ekong condemned criticisms often directed at the Super Eagles, insisting that such negativity can affect morale. He pointed to Frank Onyeka’s late goal and Victor Osimhen’s standout display as proof of the team’s depth and determination.
“Frank came off the bench and made an impact — that shows the strength and unity of this squad. Everyone wants to contribute, and that competition keeps us sharp,” he added.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s recent challenges, Ekong admitted that the frequent coaching changes and limited training time have disrupted consistency. However, he expressed optimism that stability and time under the current coach will bring improvement.
“We’ve had about four coaches recently, and it’s been hard to build rhythm. But with more time together, we’ll get stronger. The boys are working hard, and the results will show,” he assured.
With major fixtures ahead — including next month’s playoffs and the 2026 AFCON — Ekong urged fans to remain patient and supportive as the team continues to rebuild confidence and cohesion.
“We just need a bit of patience. Mistakes will happen, but no one should be afraid to try. We feel the support of over 270 million Nigerians, and that drives us. We’ll keep improving — the work is far from over,” he concluded.
The battle lines are drawn and for the Super Eagles, it is a case of to be or not to be as the race for a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup reaches defining moment today in what is tagged ‘battle of Uyo.’
With one final matchday to play, the three-time African champions must produce a statement performance against the Cheetahs of Benin Republic to keep their hopes of reaching the global showpiece alive.
The stakes could not be higher. Group C leaders Benin Republic, sitting on 17 points, know that victory in Uyo will seal their first-ever ticket to the World Cup. But Nigeria now third in the group are determined to avoid the unwanted history of missing back-to-back tournaments, having failed to qualify for the 2022 edition in Qatar.
Head coach Eric Sekou Chelle expressed optimism and determination ahead of Tuesday’s showdown at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, promising a strong response from his players.
“We will give everything we have to secure a decent win over Benin and hope for favour from Nelspruit,” Chelle said, referring to the concurrent fixture between South Africa and Rwanda that could decide the group’s fate.
Despite their surprising third-place position, Nigeria remain the only team among the three contenders — Benin Republic, South Africa and Nigeria to have lost just one match throughout the campaign. South Africa, currently on 15 points, will host Rwanda in Mbombela, needing a victory to secure their own qualification hopes.
For Benin Republic, led by former Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr, the campaign has been historic. The Cheetahs’ 17 points and two-point cushion at the top mean even a draw could be enough, provided South Africa do not record a comprehensive win over Rwanda. Rohr’s side has already defied expectations, showcasing grit and discipline across the qualifiers.
In contrast, the Super Eagles are chasing their seventh World Cup appearance. Since debuting in 1994, Nigeria have reached the Round of 16 on three occasions and remain one of Africa’s most consistent forces on the world stage. Captain William Troost-Ekong and midfielder Alex Iwobi, who both featured at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, are eager for a return to the global arena.
Ekong, who was named Man of the Competition at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, will earn his 83rd international cap on Tuesday, while Iwobi will mark his 89th appearance. For several others, including Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, and Calvin Bassey, this represents their first real opportunity to step onto football’s biggest stage.
A win for Nigeria by two or more goals, coupled with South Africa’s failure to defeat Rwanda will see the Super Eagles secure automatic qualification for the expanded 48-team tournament set to take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico next summer.
However, both sides head into the game with key absentees. Nigeria will be without Ademola Lookman, Ola Aina, and Bright Osayi-Samuel, while Benin Republic will miss defender Yohan Roche and midfielder Sessi d’Almeida due to suspensions.
The Cheetahs, who have appeared in just four Africa Cup of Nations finals, will rely on their home-grown passion and the tactical nous of Rohr. Nigeria, on the other hand, boast a far richer pedigree. Three AFCON titles, five runner-up finishes, and eight third-place medals will lean on their experience and talent depth to keep their dreams alive.
Beyond the pitch, the stakes transcend footballing rivalry. For Benin’s 11.5 million people, this is a moment of history. For Nigeria’s 220 million, it is a matter of pride, expectation, and redemption.
As the whistle blows in Uyo and Mbombela simultaneously today, Africa’s attention will turn to one question that has lingered for months — Super Eagles to be or not to be at the 2026 World Cup?
The Cheetahs of Benin have fired the Super Eagles warning ahead of today’s high-stake FIFA World Cup qualifier in Uyo.
Managed by former Super Eagles boss Gernot Rohr, the Beninese are just one step away from securing their first-ever World Cup qualification and they brimming with confidence for the ‘battle of Uyo’ holding at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.
The Beninese captain Steve Mounie expressed his team’s determination to make history, describing the encounter as a typical every footballer’s dreams.
“We play football for this kind of match. It will be a historic meeting. We will give everything to take Benin to the World Cup,” the powerful striker affirmed.
Their confidence has been buoyed by a hard-fought 1-0 win over Rwanda last Friday at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali — a result that kept them top of Group C with 17 points from nine matches.
The Cheetahs need just a single point in Uyo to officially seal their World Cup berth. Even in defeat, their qualification could still be confirmed if South Africa fail to beat Rwanda in the group’s other decisive fixture.
For the Super Eagles, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Sitting just behind Benin on the table, Nigeria must deliver a victory in front of their passionate home fans to keep their World Cup hopes alive.
