2026 WCQ: Ndid, Iwobi and Dele Bashiru eye three points against Benin Republic on Monday
Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi has maintained the Super Eagles 2026 World Cup qualifying group is still wide open even though the team languishes around the bottom of the standings.
“The group is still wide open, we still have a chance (to qualify),” he insisted after Nigeria dropped two more points at home against South Africa courtesy of a 1-1 draw in Uyo Friday night.
Ndidi said the team focus has shifted to Monday’s clash against Benin in Abidjan.
“We hope to get something in the second game,” he assured.
“We played a great second half against South Africa, if we play like that again, we will get the result we want.”
Nigeria are fourth in a six-team group with three points, while Benin are a point ahead in second place.
Lesotho are the new leaders of the section after they beat hosts Zimbabwe 2-0 also Friday.
The winners of the nine qualifying groups will advance automatically to the expanded 2026 World Cup to be hosted by USA, Canada, and Mexico.
Alex Iwobi, like Ndidi, has also shifted his attention to Monday’s clash with the Squirrels of Benin Republic.
Iwobi has put the result against South Africa behind him and is firmly focused on the clash with their neighbours.
”Not The Result Wanted… Another Game To Look Forward To,” the Fulham playmaker wrote on X.
Hatayspor midfielder, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru is happy to open his goal account for the Super Eagles even as he expressed disappointment with the outcome of the team’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against South Africa.
Dele-Bashiru, who made his competitive debut for the Super Eagles against the former African champions scored Nigeria’s only goal of the game.
“I am happy to score on my competitive debut for Nigeria, disappointing not to come away with three points. Now all focus is on Monday,” he wrote on Instagram.
The 23-year-old will be hoping to be available for the Super Eagles’ next game against the Squirrels of Benin Republic after copping an injury against South Africa.
The former Sheffield Wednesday star was replaced by Alhassan Yusuf in the 61st minute following the setback.
