Nigeria’s Super Eagles are condemned to beat Benin today or forgo their dreams of playing at the 2026 FIFA World Cup and a former Leicester City forward is backing the former African champions all the way, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Super Eagles are standing on the brink. Anything short of victory against Benin today at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo could shatter their dreams of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
After a stuttering qualifying campaign, the three-time African champions are under immense pressure to deliver.
Nigeria must beat their West African neighbours and also hope South Africa slip up against Rwanda in Mbombela to keep their hopes of topping Group C alive.
Having failed to qualify for the 2022 edition in Qatar, missing another World Cup would be catastrophic for a nation that has long prided itself on its football heritage.
Their opponents, the Cheetahs of Benin, are chasing history of their own: a first-ever World Cup qualification.
And under Gernot Rohr, a man who once led Nigeria, they will relish the chance to deepen the Eagles’ woes.
As the pressure builds, one of Nigeria’s most beloved football icons, Ahmed Musa, has stepped forward with a heartfelt message for his former teammates.
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Musa’s birthday plea to Super Eagles: “This would be the best gift for me”
Ahmed Musa, who turns 33 today, has urged the Super Eagles to ‘win this one’ for him and for Nigeria.
In an emotional video message sent to the team ahead of kick-off, the former Leicester City forward said:
“We all know what’s at stake, win the game and wait for the other result. I know you can do it. This would be the best birthday gift for me, guys. I miss you all and wish you the best of luck. I know we can do it, let’s do it again today.”
Happy birthday to our captain, Ahmed Musa!
The birthday man has one special message for the boys ahead of today’s game .#SoarSuperEagles #FIFAWCQ pic.twitter.com/07JouYgW9z
— Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) October 14, 2025
Musa’s words carry weight beyond sentiment.
The winger remains one of the most iconic figures in Nigerian football, having earned over 100 international caps and scored four World Cup goals, more than any other Nigerian in history.
His legacy includes leading roles in Nigeria’s 2013 Africa Cup of Nations triumph and their 2018 World Cup campaign in Russia, where his electric brace against Iceland lit up the tournament.
Now serving as General Manager in the Nigeria Premier Football League, Musa has been on the fringes of the national team since his return to domestic football, last appearing for the Super Eagles during the Unity Cup in England.