The Super Eagles Coach, Eric Chelle, has assured Nigerians that the group will likely be centered and purposeful as they tackle the Cheetahs of Benin Republic in a must-win encounter on Tuesday.
Chelle gave the reassurance at a pre-match information convention held on the Godswill Akpabio Worldwide Stadium in Uyo on Monday.
The Tremendous Eagles are within the third spot in Group C with 14 factors, behind Benin Republic, who prime the group with 17 factors, and South Africa in second place with 15 factors.
Chelle, who has been rallying his gamers for a robust response after earlier setbacks, mentioned regardless of the preliminary problem the group confronted travelling to Uyo, the gamers’ morale stays excessive as they perceive the magnitude of the duty forward.
“We’ve to win this recreation tomorrow (Tuesday). I’ve to place my thoughts into tomorrow’s recreation; we should win and nothing extra,” Chelle mentioned with conviction.
“We wish to go to the World Cup. I’m very blissful, very excited. Generally, we could also be slightly nervous,” he added.
The coach emphasised that the group’s willpower stems from a collective understanding of what qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup means to Nigerians.
Captain William Troost-Ekong, who additionally addressed the press, echoed the coach’s confidence, insisting that each participant was motivated to ship a efficiency that may make the nation proud.
“There are gamers right here who wish to make names for themselves, and people who will need their names to go down properly in historical past,” Ekong mentioned.
“So, they’re absolutely ready and can play to win.
“Tomorrow (Tuesday), might not be 100 per cent on our arms, however we are going to attempt to do our greatest and win the match,” he added.
The captain famous that whereas some outcomes could depend upon outcomes elsewhere, the Tremendous Eagles’ focus stays firmly on securing all three factors in entrance of their house followers.
Rohr optimistic
In the meantime, Benin Republic’s coach Gernot Rohr, a well-recognized face to Nigerian soccer followers, additionally exuded confidence forward of the conflict, declaring that his facet was prepared to finish the job and safe qualification.
Rohr mentioned that the boys had been in excessive spirits and in an advantageous place to get a victory in Tuesday’s match.
The extremely anticipated encounter on the Nest of Champions guarantees to be decisive in shaping Group C’s remaining standings, with each side conscious that victory might make or break their World Cup goals.
Six international locations have already certified for the World Cup from Africa, they embrace Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Algeria, and Cape Verde’s which sealed their historic qualification on Monday.
