World Cup Qualifier: Eagles Must Beat South Africa, Benin – Finidi

Super Eagles head coach, Finidi George, has emphasized the importance for his team to win their next two matches in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying series against South Africa and Benin Republic.
The three-time African champions are yet to record a win in the qualifiers after drawing their opening two games against Lesotho and Zimbabwe.

Finidi who will take charge of the Eagles for the first time in an official game against the Bafana Bafana of South Africa on Friday, June 7 before facing the Squirrels of Benin a few days later, said: “The World Cup qualification matches against South Africa and Benin Republic is a collective responsibility for all Nigerians. I know I am in charge now and the heavy responsibility is on me to win the two world cup matches,” Finidi told reporters during his visit to Nigeria Football Federation’s office in Abuja.

“I will do my best to ensure success and qualify for the World Cup. I am also in touch with the players and they are ready and willing to give their all having missed out in the last edition held in Qatar. In terms of having knowledge of our opponents , I have been following them.

“The world today is a global village, one can monitor anything in the comfort of his/ her sitting room.

“We need prayers and support from everybody , this is our own, we can do it and do it well. I watch our players weekly as they play in their various clubs . Honestly my target is to win the two matches and not to be judged with the two international friendly games played”.