Former Nigerian goalkeeper Alloy Agu has warned the team to remain focused and avoid complacency in their final World Cup qualifying match against Benin Republic on Tuesday, SportPremi reports.
The Super Eagles welcome Benin to the Godswill Akpabio Stadium later on Tuesday, with both sides eyeing a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Cheetahs are currently top of Group C with 17 points, two ahead of second-placed South Africa, while Nigeria are third with 14 points.
Nigeria must beat Benin Republic and hope that Rwanda does them a favor against South Africa to qualify for next year’s tournament as group winners.
The three-time African champions arrived in the country on Sunday after a cracked windscreen on their airplane forced a slight delay on their return from the 2-1 win over Lesotho last Friday.
Speaking in an interview with journalists, Agu revealed that the players must remain motivated ahead of the clash and also hope for a favorable outcome in the other group games.
“First of all, we give glory to God for granting the players a safe trip back to Nigeria”, Alloy Agu admitted.
“I could imagine what would have been going on in the minds of the players. But then, we bless God for taking control of the plane.
“I am sure the players are self-motivated to get the job done against Benin on Tuesday”, the ex-international continued.
“They are mentally and psychologically ready to pick the three points and pray that the other result between South Africa and Rwanda will be in our favour.”
Nigeria eyes return to World Cup
The Super Eagles head into their final group game against Benin Republic, looking to secure a return to the world’s biggest stage after missing out in 2022.
The three-time African champions fell at the final hurdle to eternal rivals Ghana in the Jollof derby in 2022 and missed out on a place in Qatar.
However, they must defeat Benin Republic and hope for a favorable outcome in the game between South Africa and Rwanda, to stand a chance of making it to next year’s tournament.
