Reactions As Super Eagles Seal World Cup Playoffs Spot

Reactions have continued to trail the Super Eagles impressive 4-0 win over Benin Republic to seal a spot in the World Cup playoffs in November.

Victor Osimhen’s stunning hat-trick, and a volley from Frank Onyeka in the 90th minute ensured the team’s place in the four-team playoffs.

The team’s coach, Eric Chelle, described Victor Osimhen as the best striker in the world while expressing confidence that the team will impress at the playoffs.

He said: “I’m so proud of my players. They deserve this win. It was not easy — a new coach, a new philosophy — but they adapted fast.

“Especially the best striker in the world, Osimhen. They gave everything. For me, they are my champions.

“Now we go to Morocco, it’s going to be very difficult. This is the start, and I am proud of everyone, even the fans, because they pushed us.”

Similarly, The captain of the team, William Troost-Ekong said the players will give their best to ensure that Nigeria qualifies for the 2026 World Cup.

He said: “We are quite happy to have that opportunity. It is a long route but it is a route after all. 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.”

In a related development, President Bola Tinubu was also impressed with the Super Eagles performance against Benin Republic while calling on the team to get the job done in the playoffs.

He said: ‎”While the job is not yet complete, I join millions of Nigerian football fans in wishing our team every success in the playoffs.
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“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.
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‎”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.”

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Anambra State governor Peter Obi congratulated the team for sealing a playoff spot.

Atiku wrote on X: “You showed true Nigerian spirit, strength, dominance, and unity on the field. This is the power of perseverance and teamwork,”

Peter Obi wrote on X: “Today, my day started very early at 6 a.m., and after a very hectic day of participating in five different events, 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. Well done, Super Eagles,”

Meanwhile, Football fans were not left out with scores of them hailing the Super Eagles on social media for their performance against the Squirrels of Benin Republic.

Megan Adeniran was impressed with the team’s performance against Benin Republic.

He wrote on X: “This was the kind of football we should have played. Not drawing Lesotho in Nigeria and Zimbabwe away. Those 4 points are what caused us automatic qualification but I wish them the best in the playoffs.”

Dr Farouk said a University should be renamed after Victor Osimhen if Nigeria qualifies for the World Cup.

He wrote on X: “When we finally qualify for the World Cup, Osimhen deserves to have a university in Nigeria named after him. We are proud of Osimhen.”

The Super Eagles will take on Gabon in the first semi final of the CAF World Cup playoffs on November 13, while Cameroon will slug it out with DR. Congo in the second semi-final the following day.

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.

The Playoffs will take place in Morocco.