“We cannot let the nation down” – Super Eagles captain desperate for results ahead of World Cup qualifier against South Africa

Captain of Nigeria's Super Eagles, Kenneth Omeruo, has called on his teammates to build positive results to help the nation qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 30-year-old Kasimpasa central defender featured in Nigeria's defeat to Mali after missing out on the game against Ghana due to an injury.

Following the loss, the 2013 AFCON winner has called for the Super Eagles to improve and take their chances in the coming games, otherwise, they'd get punished by the opponents.

“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,” the former Chelsea man said in quotes revealed by The Guardian.

Now one of the senior players in the Nigerian team, Omeruo has demanded more from the remaining players to put in their best to ensure Nigeria seals qualification to the 2026 FIFA World Cup that will be hosted by the trifecta of Canada, The United States of America, and Mexico.

“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. We cannot afford to let ourselves and the nation down,” Omeruo added.

Nigeria will take on South Africa on Wednesday, June 5th, before travelling to the neighbouring Benin Republic to face Gernot Rohr's side three days later.