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Tag: Super Eagles

Super Eagles Soar on FIFA Ranking

Wale busari01 mins

Super Eagles Soar on FIFA Ranking By Bunmi Ogunyale Former African Champions, Nigeria’s Super Eagles have moved up four places in this month’s World football governing body, FIFA ranking. With a total of 1495.46 points, the Eric Chelle’s lads are 45th best team in the world. In the latest rankings, Nigeria have also overtaken both the African Champions, Ivory Coast and North African giants, Tunisia and trailing Senegal, Egypt and Algeria. The Nigerian side will aim at making further push up the ladder when they file out at the Continental FIFA World Cup playoffs in November. At the summit, Spain have strengthened their grip on top spot thanks to back-to-back victories, shoring up the position they seized in the previous instalment when they ended Argentina’s reign that stretched back to April 2023. The next edition of the FIFA Men’s World Ranking is slated for 21st of November.

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Ekong: Super Eagles’ll Give Play Off Our Best Shot

Fola Badmus05 mins

Captain William Troost-Ekong said on Wednesday morning that the Super Eagles will give the CAF Play-Off Tournament for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Morocco next month their very best shot, as the group continues to quietly delight in the 4-0 win over Bénin Republic in Uyo on Tuesday that sent Nigeria to the play-off tournament, which precedes the intercontinental play-offs scheduled for Mexico in March next year.   “We are quite happy to have that opportunity. It is a long route but it is a route afterall. We would have loved to get the automatic ticket but it didn’t happen and we take what we have. For us, we will remain strong and tough and ready to confront every challenge on our way as we search for the ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.   “It was a wonderful team effort on Tuesday evening. Everyone contributed; each person played their part. If the other match had gone in favour, we would be with the automatic ticket now. But that’s life. You take what you get and run with it, and make the best of it.”   Nigeria got their best result of the campaign on an inspired night in the Akwa Ibom State capital, with Victor Osimhen netting a hat-trick and midfielder Frank Onyeka, who came in as a substitute, rifling in with the clock on 90 minutes to send the three-time African champions to the CAF Play-off Tournament.   With the result they earned, the Super Eagles should have picked up the automatic ticket from Group C, but once more, Rwanda’s Amavubi failed to hold things tight for Nigeria at the crucial hour, crumbling like a pack of cards to South Africa’s Bafana Bafana in Nelspruit. It was November 2005 all over again, when all the Amavubi needed to do was hold Angola to a draw on the final matchday at home in Kigali, but they conceded a late goal by Fabrice Akwa to render Nigeria’s five-goal rout of Zimbabwe in Abuja inconsequential, instead sending Angola to their first FIFA World Cup finals.   In the CAF Play-offs, Nigeria will take on Gabon’s Palancas Negras in a ‘first semi-final’ on Thursday, 13th November, with Cameroon taking on the Democratic Republic of Congo in the ‘second semi-final’ on Friday, 14th November. The two winners clash on Sunday, 16th November in the ‘final’, with the winner to proceed to the Intercontinental Play-offs scheduled for the Mexican cities of Guadalajara and Monterrey in March next year.   At the International Play-off Tournament, six teams will battle for two tickets. The teams are Africa’s winner, Bolivia, New Caledonia, winner of Asian play-off between Iraq and the United Arab Emirates, and two of Jamaica, Costa Rica and Panama.

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Super Eagles To Face Gabon In CAF World Cup Playoff In Morocco

Wale busari02 mins

Nigeria’s Super Eagles are set to face Gabon in the CAF World Cup qualifying playoff, scheduled to take place between November 13 and 16 in Morocco. Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions will clash with the Democratic Republic of Congo in the other semifinal matchup. Winners of both fixtures will advance to a decisive final in Morocco, where the ultimate victor will book a place in the Six-Team Intercontinental Playoff. The global playoff, slated for March 2026 in Guadalajara and Monterrey, Mexico, will decide two of the remaining qualification slots for the World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. Led by Coach Eric Chelle, the Super Eagles secured their playoff berth after a dominant 4-0 win over Benin in Uyo on Tuesday. Nigeria finished second in Group C with 17 points, level with South Africa but ahead of Benin on goal difference. CAF’s adjusted ranking format for second-placed teams—introduced after Eritrea’s withdrawal—placed Nigeria ahead of Burkina Faso, as the Eagles tallied 15 points with a +7 goal difference compared to Burkina Faso’s +6. The winner of the African playoff will join Bolivia, New Caledonia, two Central American teams, and one Asian nation in the Intercontinental Playoff, where two teams will earn qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.  

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World Cup Qualifier: Tinubu, Atiku, Obi Thumb Up Super Eagles

Fola Badmus04 mins

By Bunmi Ogunyale   President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the Super Eagles on their emphatic 4-0 victory over the Cheetahs of the Benin Republic and commends the team for keeping the nation’s hope alive as they pursue qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.   The President, in a statement by his media aide, Bayo Onanuga, praised the Super Eagles for the hunger, passion, and determination displayed on the field in Uyo, noting that the superlative performance has reignited Nigerians’ football pride.   ”While the job is not yet complete, I join millions of Nigerian football fans in wishing our team every success in the playoffs.   “The mood across the country reflects a shared belief that Nigeria deserves a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which Canada, Mexico, and the United States will host.   “As your President, I assure you and the coaching crew of the Federal Government’s support as you strive to secure your place at the tournament. Nigerians everywhere believe in you, and I do too.   “We look forward to seeing you fly our flag proudly on the world stage.   In a similar vein, the former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party Presidential Candidate in the 2023 General Election, Mr. Peter Obi also congratulated the Super Eagles on recillence in the World Cup qualifier.   Both frontline politicians took to their twitter handles now X to commend the senior national team for keeping alive their 2026 FIFA World Cup participation.   “Dear Super Eagles, thank you for this beautiful evening of superlative soccer and a sweet victory to make the country proud,” Atiku wrote.   The former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi also saluted the doggedness of the Eric Chelle lad, saying; “Congratulations to our Super Eagles.   “Today, my day started very early at 6am, and after a very hectic day of participating in 5 different events of commissioning and campaigning in Anambra State, I had to watch the Super Eagles game.   “I watched with so much confidence and pride, and it was such a brilliant and sweet victory against the Benin Republic.   “The performance was really Super showing that it’s Possible.   “You showed true Nigerian spirit, strength, dominance, and unity on the field. This is the power of perseverance and teamwork.   “Well done, Super Eagles.   “Congratulations.”

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World Cup Qualifier: Super Eagles May Battle Gabon in Semi-Final Play-Off

Fola Badmus04 mins

By Bunmi Ogunyale Three-time African Champions, Nigeria’s Super Eagles have been tipped to battle The Panthers of Gabon in the semi-final of FIFA World Cup qualifying play-off in November. Nigeria are among four nations waiting to discover their opponents in the Confederation of African Football (CAF) semi-final. As announced by FIFA earlier in the week, two semi-finals will be held on November 13 and then the final on November 16 at venues still to be confirmed. Furthermore, the four teams will have to wait until the next FIFA rankings is issued on October 23 to discover their opponents with the highest-ranked side taking on the lowest and the second-highest taking on the third-highest. Nigeria (45) are the highest-ranked African nation to have finished second in qualification which means they would face a play-off semi-final against Gabon (79). Nigeria saved their best performance in qualification for the final game, thumping Benin 4-0 in Uyo on Tuesday evening to leapfrog their rivals in Group C. Victor Osimhen was the hero for Eric Chelle’s side as he netted a superb hat-trick in his nation’s hour of need. Although, with time ticking away, the hosts still needed another goal to guarantee a play-off spot. Frank Onyeka, in the first minute of injury time right at the end of the game, scored the decisive goal and one that could be worth its weight in gold over the next few months. The victory was not enough for the Super Eagles to top the group and therefore qualify automatically for next summer’s tournament as that honour went to South Africa instead after they beat Rwanda 3-0. However, Nigeria do have a lifeline thanks to a four-star showing inside the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium. At the final whistle, Nigeria joined Cameroon as two of the definite best runners-up from the CAF qualifying section with either Gabon/Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso or DR Congo set to fill the remaining spots. Once the identity of all four teams have been revealed, they will play a mini tournament in Morocco in November to determine a single team that will go on to compete in an inter-continental playoff in March for a place at the 2026 World Cup.  

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Nigeria Keep World Cup Dream Alive After Thrashing Benin 4–0

Kamal Yalwa03 mins

Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup are still alive after a commanding 4–0 victory over Benin Republic in Uyo on Tuesday evening. The result moved the Super Eagles to second place in Group C, ensuring they finish as one of the four best runners-up in the CAF qualifiers, earning a spot in the upcoming inter-confederation playoff tournament. How the Inter-Confederation Playoffs Work The FIFA playoff tournament will determine the final two places at the 2026 World Cup. It will feature six teams: The four lowest-ranked teams will face off in two semi-final matches.The two highest-ranked teams will receive a bye to the finals of the bracket.The winners of those two bracket finals will qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026. Nigeria’s Path to Qualification Before the match, Nigeria sat third in Group C with 14 points, one behind South Africa and three behind Benin.But the Super Eagles produced a spectacular response, demolishing Benin 4–0 to climb to second with 17 points, level with the leaders but behind on goal difference. Meanwhile, South Africa sealed top spot in the group after defeating Rwanda 3–0, booking their first World Cup appearance since 2010. Nigeria’s second-place finish and strong goal difference now send them into the intercontinental playoff, keeping their World Cup dream alive. African Teams Qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup (So Far) Two more spots will be confirmed later today, as the winners of Groups B and F are yet to be decided.Additionally, one more African team — possibly Nigeria — could still secure a place via the inter-confederation playoffs.

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World Cup Ticket Final Battle: Eagles Determined to Fight for Decent Win

Fola Badmus06 mins

Coach Eric Sekou Chelle has assured that the Super Eagles will give everything they have to secure a decent win over the Cheetahs of Benin Republic and hope for favour from Nelspruit as the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying race hits the final matchday on Tuesday.   Group C leaders Benin Republic, on 17 points, have their fate in their hands as a win over Nigeria at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium will earn them their first-ever FIFA World Cup ticket.   However, Nigeria have not missed two consecutive FIFA World Cup finals since first reaching the finals in 1994, and will throw everything into Tuesday’s battle.   Regardless of their surprising third place in the group going into the final matchday, Nigeria is the only one among the three contenders for the lone ticket from the group that has lost only one match. Both Benin Republic and second-placed South Africa, who have 15 points and host Rwanda’s Amavubi, have each lost two matches.   No doubt, the Cheetahs, now coached by former Nigeria gaffer Gernot Rohr, have conducted a campaign to be proud of, as they hunt for their first-ever ticket to the global finals. Their 17 points and two-point cushion at the top means they will live their dream if they secure a point in Uyo on Tuesday evening and South Africa fail to trounce Rwanda at Mbombela.   In contrast, Nigeria is seeking a seventh FIFA World Cup appearance, having made the Round of 16 in three of their previous three, and the spine of the Class of 2025 know this could be their only chance of sitting at world football’s highest podium.   Captain William Ekong and midfielder Alex Iwobi featured at the 2018 FIFA World Cup finals but that was a competition the Super Eagles left at the group stage, and both will surely prefer to experience another tournament with all the glitz and glamour that North America promises next summer.   Ekong, voted Man of the Competition at last year’s Africa Cup of Nations final, is set to win his 83rd cap on Tuesday while Iwobi will earn his 89th.   Top scorer and 2023 Africa Player of the Year, Victor Osimhen, defender Calvin Bassey, midfielders Frank Onyeka and Raphael Onyedika, and forwards Simon Moses, Samuel Chukwueze and Ademola Lookman, among others, have not been to the FIFA World Cup finals.   The Cheetahs have been to only four Africa Cup of Nations finals, as against the Super Eagles’ 20 participations, and their all-time high was a quarter-final berth in Egypt six years ago, compared to Nigeria’s three titles, five runner-up positions and eight third-place finishes.   Both teams will miss a number of key players on Tuesday. Benin Republic’s central defender Yohan Roche and defensive midfielder Sessi d’Almeida are suspended, just as Nigeria’s Africa Player of the Year Lookman, with the six-time finalists also missing wing-backs Olaoluwa Aina and Bright Osayi-Samuel through injuries.   Gernot Rohr and his army will have the backing of Benin Republic’s 11.5million people, just as Nigeria’s 220 million people, including dozens of thousands who will be in the stands, will be cheering on the Super Eagles.   A two-goal win by the Super Eagles, and failure by South Africa to beat Rwanda in Nelspruit, will earn Nigeria an automatic ticket to the 23rd FIFA World Cup finals in the USA, Canada and Mexico next summer.

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Nigeria vs Benin: Super Eagles Face Must-Win Showdown in Final 2026 World Cup Qualifier

Kamal Yalwa03 mins

All eyes will be on the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Tuesday evening as Nigeria take on Group C leaders Benin in the final matchday of the CAF 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.Kickoff is set for 6:00 PM (16:00 GMT). Qualification Stakes The Super Eagles, currently third in Group C with 14 points, must secure victory to keep their qualification hopes alive.Benin lead the group with 17 points, followed by South Africa (15 points). A win for Benin guarantees their first-ever World Cup appearance, while Nigeria need all three points — and favorable results elsewhere — to stand a chance of progressing, either directly or through the intercontinental playoff for a possible 10th African slot. Team News: Nigeria Nigeria coach Eric Chele will be without Ademola Lookman, suspended after picking up his second yellow card in the win against Lesotho.Defender Ola Aina remains sidelined through injury. Star striker Victor Osimhen, fit again after returning from injury, will lead the attack. The Galatasaray forward says the team will fight to the end: “We cannot promise much, but we will fight. We hope it will be our turn to be on top on Tuesday.” Expected formation: 4-2-3-1Probable lineup: Nwabali; Troost-Ekong, Fredrick, Bassey, Onyemaechi; Ndidi, Iwobi; Chukwueze, Simon; Osimhen, Arokodare. Team News: Benin Coach Gernot Rohr has a full squad available. His side, who edged Rwanda 1–0 on Friday, are expected to keep the same lineup. Probable lineup: Dandjinou; Ouorou, Verdon, Tijani, Roche; D’Almeida, Imourane; Dossou, Dokou, Hountondji; Mounie. Rohr, a former Nigeria coach, acknowledged the high stakes: “It’s in our hands to qualify for a historic first World Cup. But all can change in one game. We must stay humble and focused.” Head-to-Head Record Since 2004, both teams have met 12 times — Nigeria have won nine, Benin two, and one ended in a draw.Their last encounter in June 2024 saw Benin defeat Nigeria 2–1 in Abidjan. Group C Standings (Before Final Matchday) Benin – 17 pts (+5) South Africa – 15 pts (+3) Nigeria – 14 pts (+3) Rwanda – 11 pts (−1) Lesotho – 9 pts (−4) Zimbabwe – 5 pts (−6)

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