Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle is confident the team will still get a good result in the absence of Ademola Lookman in Tuesday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Benin Republic.
The Atalanta forward has been suspended from the key clash in Uyo following the 64th minute yellow card he received during yesterday’s 2-1 victory over Lesotho in Polokwane, South Africa.
It was Lookman’s second booking in the qualifying campaign, ruling him out of the next match, according to FIFA rules.
Chelle waved away concerns about the unavailability of Lookman while speaking at his post-match press conference.
“Lookman is an important player for us but we remain focused and confident even without him,” Chelle said.
“We have enough depth to compete effectively despite the setback. The suspension is unfortunate, but the squad possesses the character and determination to secure victory.”
To somehow snatch Group C’s sole automatic ticket, the currently third-placed Super Eagles must beat table-topping Benin Republic by at least two goals in Uyo, while hoping second-placed South Africa fail to beat visiting Rwanda on the same day.
Chelle is going for a wide-margin victory at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium.
“We feel the pressure every time, but this win keeps us alive,” Chelle said.
“And of course, playing against Benin, we we’ve to score a certain amount of goals and have certain mindsets that we need to go in for. They want to be winners. We want to be at the World Cup.”