Sunday Mba Urges Super Eagles to Maintain ‘Benin Spirit’ Ahead of World Cup Playoffs
2013 Africa Cup of Nations hero, Sunday Mba, has called on the Super Eagles to show the same determination and energy they displayed against Benin Republic if they want to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Nigeria finished as one of the best second-placed teams in the qualifiers and must now compete in the continental and intercontinental playoffs to secure a spot at the tournament.
The Super Eagles will face Gabon in their first playoff match on 13 November, before meeting the winner between DR Congo and Cameroon a few days later.
Mba, who was a key figure in Nigeria’s 2013 AFCON triumph under the late Stephen Keshi, believes the team has what it takes to succeed if they keep their focus.
“Let’s bring that same spirit from the last game against Benin,” Mba said. “If we have that same spirit, we will qualify. But if anything happens to that spirit, it’s shaky. That’s the perfect spirit we need now because we are in a tight corner.”
All the playoff matches will be held in Morocco. Nigeria’s clash with Gabon will take place at the Complexe Sportif Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan in Rabat. If they advance, the Super Eagles will play again on 16 November for a place in the intercontinental playoffs next year.
Mba famously scored the winning goal in the 2013 AFCON final against Burkina Faso and remains one of Nigeria’s most celebrated midfielders.
