After Nigeria’s 4-0 victory over the Benin Republic, former Super Eagles player Etim Esin said that the team’s World Cup qualifying was firmly in their hands.
Esin, who has 24 caps for Nigeria and was a member of the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations winning side, complimented the players for demonstrating the Nigerian perseverance that has defined the country’s football history.
“So we can score four goals?” he jokingly began in the interview after the game.
“You know when the odds are against us, that is when we can galvanize. Our qualification is in our hands; it was never in NFF’s hands, and definitely not in any coach’s hands.”
The former attacking midfielder believes the Super Eagles’ performance in Uyo showcased their potential when properly motivated.
“If we could always raise our game like this, we wouldn’t have been in this position. That Nigerian resilience is what we showed now, and it is not over until it is over. It is about showing this now; we will go to this World Cup if we continue like this,” he said.
Esin urged the players to sustain their momentum as they enter the playoffs, stressing that qualifying is still attainable.
“Until we qualify now, all hope is not lost. They have made some Nigerians happy now by doing this, and they just need to continue in this way,” he added.
Victor Osimhen’s hat trick and Frank Onyeka’s late goal guaranteed the Super Eagles finished as one of the top four second-placed teams in the African qualifiers, with 15 points and a +7 goal difference.
Nigeria had not scored four or more goals in a match since September 2023, and the triumph came at a critical time for their World Cup chances.
Nigeria will now face one of the other qualified second-placed teams in a two-legged playoff for a spot in the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
