Benin vs Nigeria: No More Heartbreak - Finidi George's Super Eagles must deliver vs Cheetahs

After Nigeria and the Super Eagles' disappointment of missing out on the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Nigerian football fans are running perilously low on patience. 

Pulse Sports Nigeria can report that the Super Eagles' lacklustre start to the 2026 African qualifying campaign has set alarm bells ringing.

Finidi George's tenure as national team coach got off to a poor start with a 1-1 home draw against South Africa last time out in Uyo, Akwa Ibom. 

It leaves Nigeria floundering in fifth place in Group C with just three points from a possible nine so far behind the likes of Lesotho and Rwanda.

With games fast running out, the crunch clash against Benin Republic in neutral Abidjan has taken on must-win proportions if the three-time African champions are to keep their World Cup dream alive.

The omens don't look good, with group leaders Lesotho expected to maintain their unbeaten start by seeing off Rwanda at home. 

South Africa, who sit ahead of Nigeria last week, should also collect a routine three points at home to bottom-side Zimbabwe.

The agonising memories of missing out on Qatar are still painfully fresh for Nigerian fans. This young squad and new head coach were supposed to offer hope and renewal after that bitter disappointment.

But another failed World Cup qualifying campaign is looking palpable which would be nothing short of a catastrophe for the flagging Super Eagles.

Already people are questioning whether Finidi has the tactical acumen to guide the nation's most prized sporting asset.

The former winger was a legend in the iconic green and white jersey during his playing days. But his reputation and rapport with Nigerian supporters will be severely tested if he cannot rally his troops to victory in today's pivotal showdown in Abidjan.

He has little time to impress and win over his critics and cannot afford any more slip-ups if his Eagles are to stand any chance of qualifying for the 2026 finals in North America.

Simply put, Finidi and his squad cannot afford to break any more hearts. It's time for the Super Eagles to soar again starting with maximum points against Benin.