Former Watford defender Benedict Iroha believes Nigeria’s Super Eagles have rediscovered the quality and belief needed to reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup after their emphatic 4–0 win over Benin Republic, Soccernet.ng reports.
The result, though not enough to clinch automatic qualification, propelled Nigeria into the CAF play-offs as one of the four best runners-up.
It has offered the Super Eagles a second chance to secure a place at football’s biggest showpiece in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Nigeria will now face Gabon on November 13 in Morocco in a single-leg semi-final. The winner will then battle either Cameroon or DR Congo for Africa’s final inter-confederation play-off slot.
“I’ll say congratulations to Nigerians for the win and particularly to the team for fighting hard to win the game convincingly,” Iroha told Complete Sports.
“That was a fantastic performance by the Super Eagles. The boys really came out for it as though their lives depended on it, and I’m happy they got the result.”
The former Nigeria international, who served as assistant coach when the Golden Eaglets won the 2007 FIFA U-17 World Cup in South Korea, hailed the team’s resilience and spirit.
“If they replicate this form and performance in the playoffs next month in Morocco, I’m sure the road will be clear for our World Cup qualification,” Iroha noted.
“You may say they left it late, but it’s better late than never. You appreciate success more when you work hard and earn it the tough way. We have a group of young and talented players who, I believe, are getting better with every game.”
Iroha added: “The Morocco playoffs are around the corner. I can only advise that they keep working hard and build on this momentum to complete the job they’ve just started.”
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CAF play-offs: Nigeria set for battle in Morocco
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) confirmed that the World Cup play-offs will feature the four best-performing runners-up from the qualifying groups.
The matches will be staged on neutral ground in Morocco between November 13 and 16, 2025.
As things stand, Nigeria are scheduled to meet Gabon in the first semi-final, while Cameroon will take on DR Congo in the second. Both matches will take place on November 13, with the winners advancing to a November 16 final: Africa’s gateway to the inter-confederation play-offs.
That next stage, billed for March 2026 in Mexico, will bring together six teams from different confederations: one each from Africa, Asia, South America, and Oceania, plus two from North and Central America. The two highest-ranked sides will receive byes to the final round, while the remaining four play semi-finals to determine the final two World Cup qualifiers.
If Nigeria qualify, they are expected to be seeded, meaning they would need just one more victory to confirm their place at the 2026 World Cup.
