By Akinwale Kasali
The Super Eagles of Nigeria has a score to settle with the Cheetahs of Benin Republic in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, having garnered just three points in its three matches against Bafana Bafana of South Africa, Amavubis of Rwanda and the Crocodiles of Lesotho.
The National side is languishing in fifth position in the six-team log, putting its possibility of qualifying for the World Showpiece in jeopardy. Only a win against Benin Republic could revive its hope.
Super Eagles Coach, Finidi George, has revealed that his players will approach the game against the Cheetahs of Benin Republic with every seriousness.
Speaking ahead of the game, Finidi mentioned that his players have learned from their draw against South Africa and are eager to secure a win.
He said: “We are going to approach the game with every seriousness. The match against South Africa, that is gone. We have learnt from it. We just have to get ourselves to have that fantastic second half that we had [against South Africa].
“If we can start that way tomorrow [now today], I think we have a chance.”
The Cheetahs who boast four points, the Eagles know they must fire on all cylinders and recreate the happy moments of the AFCON at the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny – where they won all three matches played there during the Africa Cup of Nations finals earlier in the year.
The Eagles has been scheduled to have a feel of the familiar turf during their official training at 4pm CIV time on Sunday.
Gabonese official Pierre Ghislain Atcho will be the referee for Monday’s encounter that commences at 4pm CIV time (5pm in Nigeria). Ethiopian officials Temesgin Samuel Atango and Tigle Gizlaw Belachew will serve as assistant referees 1 and 2, while Cameroonian Antoine Max Effa Essouma will be fourth official.
Djamel Haimoudi from Algeria will be the referee assessor, with Burkinabe David Yameogo as commissioner and Ivorian Atte Claude Elloh as security officer.
The game will be played at the Houphouet Boigny Stadium, Abidjan, Ivory Coast, at 5 p.m. (Nigerian time).
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