Agbim backs Super Eagles to ‘Push Hard’ for victory against Benin in Uyo
Former Super Eagles goalkeeper Chigozie Agbim says Nigeria’s path to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is now “fairly clear,” following the team’s 2–1 victory over Lesotho and South Africa’s draw with Zimbabwe in the latest round of qualifiers.
Agbim told Complete Sports that the results from Friday night have handed the Super Eagles “renewed hope” as they prepare for their final Group C clash against Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.
What Agbim said
The former Rangers, Gombe United, and Warri Wolves goalkeeper, who was part of Stephen Keshi’s squad to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, believes Nigeria now have their fate under control.
“For now, yes, it looks like the coast is fairly clearer for the Super Eagles,” Agbim said.
He continued, “The win against Lesotho and South Africa’s draw against Zimbabwe have somehow thrown the group race open. It looks like the Super Eagles now have their destiny in their own hands, so they must give it one final push on Tuesday in Uyo when they face Benin Republic.”
Agbim, however, warned that the encounter against Gernot Rohr’s Benin Republic will be one of the most challenging matches of the campaign.
“Who would have believed that South Africa would struggle to get a draw against Zimbabwe at home? That’s a clear pointer that this last game of the qualifiers will be tough, no matter who’s playing at home,” he said.
“Benin Republic are very much in contention for the sole qualification ticket, and they have a former Nigeria coach who knows our players well. The Eagles must win first before thinking about group leadership or second-place permutations,” he added.
Despite the challenge, Agbim expressed confidence in the team’s ability to deliver.
“I’m optimistic Nigeria has what it takes to win and make their seventh World Cup appearance a reality,” he concluded.
To qualify directly for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Nigeria must defeat Benin Republic in Uyo, a win would take the Super Eagles to 17 points, level with Benin.
Win by at least two goals to overturn Benin’s +5 goal difference compared to Nigeria’s +3.
However, if South Africa defeats Rwanda in Johannesburg, they would move to 18 points and claim the group’s automatic ticket. In that case, Nigeria could still advance via the best second-place playoff route, provided they secure victory in Uyo.
Additionally, FIFA’s ruling on Eritrea’s withdrawal could further influence qualification calculations, as a standardised formula will be applied across all nine African groups.
Nigeria will host the Benin Republic on Tuesday at 5 p.m. (local time) in Uyo, with the match expected to draw a packed crowd as the Super Eagles fight to keep their World Cup dream alive.