Benin can emulate Togo and qualify for World Cup if Nigeria fail to work hard – Ex-Metz ace Omotoyossi

Former Metz and Al-Nassr forward Rasak Omotoyossi is hopeful that his beloved Benin Republic can beat Nigeria to the 2026 FIFA World Cup ticket, Soccernet.ng reports. 

Benin Republic have never qualified for the World Cup in history but the Cheetahs have ignited the hopes of every Beninoise on earth following their impressive start to the qualifying campaign.

Initially regarded as one of the underdogs in Group C, Benin currently boast seven points to share top spot with South Africa and Rwanda and stay four points ahead of three-time African champions, Nigeria.

The Cheetahs have recorded two wins and one draw in their first four games, with their most remarkable victory coming against Nigeria on June 10.

Raphael Onyedika handed the Super Eagles the lead in that encounter before goals from Jodel Oluwafemi Dossou and Steve Mounié turned the tie in the favour of the Gernot Rohr-tutored side.

With that victory, former Benin forward Rasak Omotoyossi believes the Cheetahs can emulate the heroics of Togo, who stunned illustrious foes to make their first-ever appearance at the Mundial in 2006.

Mathematically, Nigeria can still qualify for the 2026 World Cup if the Super Eagles win all their remaining six games but Omotoyossi maintains that would take some hard work to achieve.

“Well, let me say history can happen sometimes,” the former Zamalek forward told Brila.

“When Togo went to the World Cup, nobody believed. So Benin has the chance now, they just have to use it now. So, the game remains up to them.

“Nigeria has to work hard if they want to become African giants that they are.”

The Super Eagles' next World Cup qualifying games are against Rwanda and Zimbabwe in March 2025.