Before tonight’s pivotal World Cup qualifying match against the Benin Republic, former Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa has urged the players to “win the game” as the ideal birthday present.
Knowing that a win would be their sole chance to advance to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the Super Eagles take on the Cheetahs tonight at Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo p.m.
With 14 points, Eric Chelle’s team is now behind leaders Benin Republic by three points and South Africa by one point in Group C.
Musa, who turned 32 today, used a video that was uploaded to the Super Eagles’ official X profile to wish everyone a happy birthday and to issue a rallying cry.
“Everyone is aware of the stakes; win the game and watch for the outcome.” You can accomplish it, I’m sure. For me, guys, this would be the ideal birthday present. I wish you all the best of luck and miss you all. Musa stated, “Let’s try again today; I know we can succeed.”
After a rocky season in which the squad has struggled for consistency, it was believed that the Super Eagles’ hopes of qualifying are in jeopardy. Nigeria’s only chance to get into North America is to defeat the Benin Republic and pray that South Africa loses to Rwanda.
For the first time since their 1994 debut, Nigeria would undoubtedly miss back-to-back World Cups if they lose tonight.
And the stakes are just as high for the Benin Republic. A victory in Uyo would put Gernot Rohr’s team, now on 17 points, in the running for their first-ever World Cup. A draw could be sufficient if South Africa loses.
