Former Nigeria youth international Simon Zenke in an exclusive interview with Footy-Africa has urged the Super Eagles to be at their absolute best when they face Benin in Tuesday’s crucial FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifier in Uyo.
With one game left to play, Nigeria sit third in Group C with 14 points, behind leaders Benin (17 points) and South Africa (15 points). A win for the Super Eagles, combined with a South Africa loss to Rwanda, could be enough to secure qualification or at least a second-place finish, which may lead to another qualifying round.
Nigeria vs Benin: Five Super Eagles to watch in crucial World Cup Qualifier
The Super Eagles have been hard at work in Uyo preparing for the must-win encounter, and Zenke believes the players must deliver a near-perfect performance while hoping results elsewhere go their way.
“To be honest, I’m not happy with where we are right now as a country football-wise. We have no reason to be in this position, but it is what it is,” the former Samsunspor and Nancy forward exclusively told Footy-Africa. “Against Benin, we must be at our very best. If we don’t win, we’ll miss the World Cup for a second consecutive time, and I really hope that won’t happen.”
“They need to start strong, play with total focus, and give everything from the first whistle to the last. The players must concentrate on their own game and not get distracted by what happens in the South Africa game against Rwanda. I wish the boys and the entire nation the best of luck on Tuesday. This is the time to fight for pride and for Nigeria,” the former Golden Eaglets forward added.
Kpakor backs Super Eagles to pull off World Cup miracle after Lesotho win
With Rwanda, Lesotho, and Zimbabwe already out of contention, the battle for qualification is now a three-way fight between Nigeria, South Africa, and Benin.
The Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo will host the decisive clash as Benin, chasing their first-ever World Cup appearance, visit Nigeria, while South Africa face Rwanda at the Mbombela Stadium.
Putting in the hard yards ahead of Benin’s visit pic.twitter.com/KbPH1rhJxI
— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) October 13, 2025
The last time both teams met, Benin came from behind to defeat Nigeria 2–1 in Abidjan, with Raphael Onyedika opening the scoring before Steve Mounie and Jodel Dossou turned the game around for the Cheetahs.
