Former Nigerian international, Ifeanyi Udeze, has urged the Super Eagles to seize the upcoming playoffs as an opportunity to secure their spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Nigeria booked their place in the playoff round after a commanding 4-0 victory over Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Tuesday, finishing Group C with 17 points.
The result lifted the Super Eagles above Burkina Faso in the playoff standings, thanks to their +7 goal difference and 15 points in the rankings, with only Gabon and Cameroon placed higher.
Speaking on Sporty TV’s coverage of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Udeze emphasized that the team must maintain the same level of performance they displayed against Benin when the playoffs begin.
“If the Super Eagles had played Lesotho and Zimbabwe the way they play against Benin, I am sure we wouldn’t be where we are at the moment.
“But so far so good; I am happy with the way the players turned up today. All the Super Eagles players played their hearts out. They played good football today, and I am just happy with the way they played.
“I hope they continue this way in the playoff even though we didn’t make it to the World Cup automatically. Preferably, I would like the Super Eagles to face Cameroon in the playoff,” he said.
