Super Eagles’ defender Kenneth Omeruo has reassured Nigerians of the team’s determination to strive for victory in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers scheduled to resume in June.
Following friendly matches against Ghana and Mali in Marrakech, the Super Eagles’ squad departed Morocco with most players heading back to their European bases.
Omeruo, serving as the on-field captain, expressed confidence in the team’s commitment to securing maximum points during the World Cup qualifiers set to resume in June.
Nigeria is gearing up to face South Africa in Uyo before taking on Benin Republic in an away fixture from June 3-11 – matches scheduled for Match Days 3 and 4 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.
“Our goal in the Mali match was to secure a win, just like we aimed for against Ghana. Despite their conversions, we missed ours. That’s football – you have to capitalize on your opportunities,” Omeruo commented.
With June fast approaching, our attention is laser-focused on the upcoming clashes against South Africa and Benin Republic,” added Omeruo.
Many players within the squad have yet to experience the World Cup and view these matches as a significant chance to partake in the prestigious tournament.
“We must not disappoint ourselves and our nation,” emphasized Omeruo.
Currently placed third in Group C with two points from two matches, Nigeria shares the spot with Lesotho and Zimbabwe, both also on two points each. Rwanda leads the table with four points, followed closely by South Africa with three points.
Benin sits at the bottom with one point.
The top team from each of the nine groups will secure a direct ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with one of the best runners-up participating in the FIFA Play-off tournament.
The Africa Zone (CAF) qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup initiated on November 15, 2023, and are anticipated to conclude in November 2025.
(NAN)