Kenneth Omeruo, a defender for the Super Eagles, has promised Nigerians that the team is committed to earning as many points as possible when the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers recommence in June.
Following their friendly matches against Ghana and Mali in Marrakech, the Super Eagles team left Morocco on Wednesday, with most players returning to their bases in Europe.
Following a disappointing loss to Mali, on-field captain Omeruo assured everyone that the players are determined to give their best for maximum points when the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers start again in June.
In the international window of June 3–11, Nigeria will face the Bafana Bafana of South Africa in Uyo and then play against Benin Republic away from home in Match Days 3 and 4 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.
Omeruo stated, “We were determined to win the match against Mali, just as we were against Ghana.
“In the end, they took advantage of their opportunities, and we failed to take ours. That’s football. You just have to make the most of the opportunities that come your way.
“Having said that, June is only a few weeks away, and we are concentrating on the matches against South Africa and Benin Republic.
“Many players in the group have not had the chance to play at the World Cup before, and they view this as a significant opportunity to be there.
“We cannot afford to disappoint ourselves and the nation,” Omeruo added.
Nigeria is currently in third place in Group C with two points from two games played so far, level with Lesotho and Zimbabwe, who also have two points each.
Rwanda leads the table with four points, followed closely by South Africa with three points.
Meanwhile, Benin is at the bottom of the table with one point.
The top finisher in each of the nine groups will qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while one of the best losers will take part in the FIFA Play-off tournament.
The Africa Zone (CAF) qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which began on November 15, 2023, are expected to conclude in November 2025.
(NAN)
