Ifeanyi Udeze Urges Super Eagles To Seize Playoff Opportunity For 2026 World Cup Qualification
2 min read
By Sportsgister
Former Nigerian international, Ifeanyi Udeze, has called on the Super Eagles to make the most of their playoff opportunity and secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Nigeria booked their spot in the playoffs after a commanding 4–0 victory over Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Tuesday — a result that saw them finish Group C with 17 points.
With a +7 goal difference and 15 points in the continental rankings, the Super Eagles leapfrogged Burkina Faso in the playoff standings, sitting just behind Gabon and Cameroon.
Reacting to the team’s qualification, Udeze, speaking on Sporty TV’s 2026 World Cup coverage, lauded the team’s spirited performance and urged them to maintain the same level of intensity in the crucial playoff stage.
“If the Super Eagles had played Lesotho and Zimbabwe the way they played against Benin, I am sure we wouldn’t be where we are at the moment,” Udeze said.
“But so far, so good; I am happy with the way the players turned up today. They played with passion and determination — every player gave his best. I just hope they continue with this same attitude in the playoffs.”
The former left-back also revealed his preferred playoff opponent, noting that he would rather see Nigeria face Cameroon in the final stage.
“Preferably, I would like the Super Eagles to face Cameroon in the playoff,” Udeze added. “It would be a tough contest, but I believe we can beat them if we play with the same hunger and unity we showed against Benin.”
Nigeria will now await the CAF playoff draw, which will determine their opponents as they fight for a place in the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup set to hold across the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
