“We must win”: Eric Chelle rallies Super Eagles ahead of do-or-die Benin showdown

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The Super Eagles Coach, Eric Chelle, has assured Nigerians that the team will be focused and purposeful as they take on the Cheetahs of Benin Republic in a must-win encounter on Tuesday.

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Chelle gave the assurance at a pre-match news conference held at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Monday.

The Super Eagles are in the third spot in Group C with 14 points, behind Benin Republic, who top the group with 17 points, and South Africa in second place with 15 points.

Chelle, who has been rallying his players for a strong response after previous setbacks, said despite the initial challenge the team faced travelling to Uyo, the players’ morale remains high as they understand the magnitude of the task ahead.

 “We have to win this game tomorrow (Tuesday). I have to put my mind into tomorrow’s game; we must win and nothing more,” Chelle said with conviction.

 “We want to go to the World Cup. I am very happy, very excited. Sometimes, we may be a little nervous,” he added.

The coach emphasised that the team’s determination stems from a collective understanding of what qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup means to Nigerians.

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Captain William Troost-Ekong, who also addressed the press, echoed the coach’s confidence, insisting that every player was motivated to deliver a performance that would make the nation proud.

 “There are players here who want to make names for themselves, and those who will want their names to go down well in history,” Ekong said.

“So, they are fully prepared and will play to win.

 “Tomorrow (Tuesday), may not be 100 per cent on our hands, but we will try to do our best and win the match,” he added.

The captain noted that while some outcomes may depend on results elsewhere, the Super Eagles’ focus remains firmly on securing all three points in front of their home fans.

Rohr optimistic

Meanwhile, Benin Republic’s coach Gernot Rohr, a familiar face to Nigerian football fans, also exuded confidence ahead of the clash, declaring that his side was ready to complete the job and secure qualification.

Rohr said that the boys were in high spirits and in an advantageous position to get a victory in Tuesday’s match.

The highly anticipated encounter at the Nest of Champions promises to be decisive in shaping Group C’s final standings, with both sides aware that victory could make or break their World Cup dreams.

Six countries have already qualified for the World Cup from Africa, they include Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Algeria, and  Cape Verde’s which sealed their historic qualification on Monday.