Super Eagles coach, Finidi George, has expressed the determination that the team will continue to fight in the World Cup Qualifiers adventures.
He said they would not thrown in the towel even after they were beaten 2-1 on Monday by Benin Republic.
He said, “Our aim is to win, but there is no special formula for that. We have to see how players start the new season and how we can get the best out of the players.
“So, everybody must be committed. I think with that commitment, we’ll win games, and if we can win games, the battle will still be there.
“We can’t throw in the towel because we have had only three points. We have to find a way to get these players in a way they have to perform.”
‘The Punch’, in a story, noted that, in the wake of the Eagles defeat to Benin earlier on Monday, criticism had swirled around the team, focusing on the tactics and selection.
Nigeria lost the game by two goals to one in the match played in Ivory Coast.
Recall that Nigeria in the 2026 World Cup Qualifier game drew 1-1 against South Africa on Friday.
However, in a post-match press conference, a clip culled from football photojournalist #poojamedia, Finidi stated that what the team needs now is an unwavering commitment from every player.
He noted that it’s through this dedication that we’ll secure victories.
According to him, despite the setback, the battle isn’t over.
This is as he added that the team will find ways to elevate our players and ensure they deliver their best on the field.
The loss, which saw Nigeria fall behind Benin and South Africa in their qualifying group, has left the team’s hopes of reaching the 2026 World Cup hanging.
How the game was lost
According to an account by the News Agency of Nigeria, the under-pressure Super Eagles head coach, Finidi George, tweaked his starting line-up that prosecuted the South African game in an attempt to give some spark to the team.
Raphael Onyedika came in for Fisayo Dele-Bashiru in the midfield, while Terem Moffi was preferred ahead of Paul Onuachu to lead the attack.
The Eagles started the game on the front foot with Onyedika opening scoring with a sweet finish from the edge of the box in the 27th minute.
Benin struck back 10 minutes later. A defensive mishap from Calvin Bassey sent Jodel Dossou clear on goal, and the striker placed the ball past an on-rushing Stanley Nwabali into the net.
The Cheetahs turned the game around a few minutes later when Steve Mounie pounced on a loose ball from a corner kick to make it 2-1.
The Benninose coached by former Super Eagles gaffer, Gernot Rohr thereafter sealed the back to frustrate all forays by the Eagles to equalise.
The Super Eagles are now fifth in the qualification group with three points from four games.
With this defeat, the Eagles must win all thier remaining six matches to have a chance of qualifying for the world cup
