Defender Kenneth Omeruo has expressed confidence that the Super Eagles’ players are fully committed to securing maximum points when the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers resume in June.
Following their participation in friendly matches against Ghana and Mali in Marrakech, the Super Eagles’ contingent departed Morocco on Wednesday, with most players returning to their bases in Europe. Despite the disappointment of the loss to Mali, on-field captain Omeruo assured that the players are determined to bounce back and perform at their best during the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
Nigeria take on the Bafana Bafanas in Uyo and then confront Benin Republic away from home in the international window of June 3-11, in Match Days 3 and 4 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.
“We went into the match against Mali determined to win, just as we did against Ghana.
“In the end, they took their chances and we failed to take ours. That’s football. You just have to take the chances that come your way.
“Having said that, June is only a few weeks away and we are focused on the matches against South Africa and the Benin Republic.
“Many players in the group have not played at the World Cup before and they see this as a big opportunity to be there.
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“We cannot afford to let ourselves and the nation down,” Omeruo said.
Credible News also reports that Nigeria currently occupies the third spot in Group C with two points from two games played so far. They are tied with Lesotho and Zimbabwe, who also have two points each.
Table-toppers Rwanda are on four points, closely followed by South Africa with three points.
Benin sits at the bottom of the table with one point. The top finisher in each of the nine groups will qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while one of the best losers will participate in the FIFA Play-off tournament.
The Africa Zone, CAF, qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which began on Nov. 15, 2023, are expected to end in November 2025.
