The Super Eagles are on the verge of missing out on qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA.

Eric Chelle’s team are currently third in their group and are three points behind the Benin Republic and one point behind South Africa.

They will need a win against the Cheetahs in their final World Cup qualifying game and hope that other results go in their favour.

"I always say my mind, and to be sincere, I don't see the fire and zeal in our Super Eagles players," he lamented. "They don't play like players who really want to play for the honour of their country."

The retired midfielder suggested the team's approach lacks the necessary intensity. "It is like they are just playing football for playing's sake and for fun. 

“Even in their preparations, when they are in camp, you don't see that hunger in their faces that says, 'this match tomorrow against Benin, we are going to come out smoking.'"

He urged the players to adopt a more determined mindset for their upcoming match against Benin, stressing that a change in attitude is vital for their World Cup aspirations.

"Our boys must come out with a different character, not the way we played against Lesotho. I don't see the fire in them. We won the match, and we thank God, but the fire was not there," Elijah concluded.

Nigeria is currently third in Group C with 14 points. To keep their World Cup hopes alive, they must defeat Benin in their final qualifier and hope that South Africa fails to win against Rwanda.