2026 World Cup: Rwanda, Benin Republic Coaches Tip Nigeria To Win Group Ticket

2026 World Cup: Rwanda, Benin Republic Coaches Tip Nigeria To Win Group Ticket

By Niyi Busari

Former Super Eagles and Benin Republic Coach, Gernot Rohr and Rwanda Head Coach, Spittler expressed their optimism that Nigeria can still qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

With what look like a stroll in the park for the 2023 AFCON silver medalists, qualifying for the World Cup is gradually becoming impossible for the Super Eagles in a group that has Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Benin Republic, Rwanda and South Africa.

The 2013 AFCON champions are in distanced 5th position with three points from four games while Rwanda, South Africa and Benin Republic occupied first, second and third positions respectively with 7 points each.

Gernot Rohr in an interview with Punch insisted that the Super Eagles can still qualify from the group.

He said, "South Africa are number one, we have to be realistic. Number two can still be Nigeria if they all come together in good spirit with all the players highly motivated.

"They have to beat Lesotho, they can beat Rwanda, they can beat Zimbabwe, they should beat all these teams. And at home, they can beat Benin, but I think we also can beat Nigeria again.

"So, if they win these four matches, you know, its 12 points. And if they beat South Africa, I think they can still do it. But they have to beat South Africa in South Africa, which will not be easy. And so, for me, Benin also has a little chance, because now the confidence is there, and the team is together.

"So, I think the players will do everything to go there (World Cup), and also the federation and the staff. But now, of course they must be realistic and say that it’s only three points in four games," he told Punch.

In the same vein, Rwanda Coach, Spittler in an interview with Brila said, "There is still a long way to go, Nigeria can still has the chance to qualify. Though difficult but they can achieve with the kind of players in the team. Winning the remaining matches will not come easy but achievable.