Tinubu Urges Super Eagles to Complete World Cup Mission After 4–0 Triumph Over Benin
President Bola Tinubu has urged the Super Eagles to seal their qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup through the upcoming play-offs, following their emphatic 4–0 victory over Benin Republic on Tuesday, The PUNCH reports.
In a congratulatory message, the President commended the team for keeping the nation’s World Cup hopes alive with their outstanding performance at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, which secured Nigeria’s spot in the African play-offs.
Tinubu praised the players for their hunger, passion, and determination, noting that their display has rekindled national pride and renewed confidence in Nigerian football.
“While the job is not yet complete, I join millions of Nigerian fans in wishing our team every success in the play-offs,” the President said in a statement.
“The mood across the country reflects a shared belief that Nigeria deserves a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States. As your President, I assure you of the Federal Government’s full support as you strive to qualify. Nigerians everywhere believe in you — and I do too. We look forward to seeing you fly our flag proudly on the world stage.”
The President’s message followed a commanding performance from Victor Osimhen, whose hat-trick and a stoppage-time goal from Frank Onyeka propelled Nigeria to the playoffs.
The win ensured the three-time African champions finished among the best four second-placed teams in the African qualifiers with 15 points and a +7 goal difference.
Nigeria will now face one of the other second-placed sides in a two-legged play-off for a place at the expanded 48-team World Cup.
The result brought a satisfying close to what had been a tense qualifying campaign, as the Super Eagles avoided missing consecutive World Cup tournaments for the first time since their debut in 1994. It also marked Nigeria’s first four-goal performance since September 2023.
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