By Tolúlopé Olátúnjí
Super Eagles head coach, Finidi George, has emphasized the necessity of securing a win against Benin Republic in their upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match Tomorrow
George made this statement on Sunday, in preparation for the national team’s crucial match with the Squirrels, at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium, Ivory Coast on Monday.
The three-time African champions are currently fifth in Group C, having drawn their first three games and accumulated only three points. This places significant pressure on the team to perform in their next match against Benin Republic, coached by former Super Eagles manager, Gernot Rohr.
George stated”We’re very much aware of why we are here and what we have to do. The players want to go to the World Cup and they have resolved to give their all in every game going forward,”
Finidi George stated in an interview reported in the media: “We had our opportunities against South Africa on Friday and should have won, but that is gone and we face another challenge now.”
George stressed the importance of focusing on each match individually. “We have resolved not to look too far ahead in this race. The essence is to take it one match at a time. Benin Republic is in our front now, and we must deal with that squarely.”
Monday’s encounter will be officiated by Gabonese referee Pierre Ghislain Atcho, with Ethiopian officials Temesgin Samuel Atango and Tigle Gizlaw Belachew serving as assistant referees. Cameroonian Antoine Max Effa Essouma will be the fourth official. The match is scheduled to commence at 5 pm Nigerian time.
Additionally, the referee assessor for the game will be Djamel Haimoudi from Algeria, while Burkinabe David Yameogo will serve as the match commissioner, and Ivorian Atte Claude Elloh will be the security officer.
The Super Eagles will need a strong performance to keep their World Cup hopes alive and gain momentum in their qualifying campaign.
