AFCON 2025
Super Eagles defender, Calvin Bassey, says the team must hold onto their faith as they fight for a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Nigeria’s qualification hopes are hanging in the balance due to a difficult run, which has left them in a tough spot in Group C.
The Super Eagles currently sit in third place with 11 points. This puts them three points behind the joint leaders, Benin Republic and South Africa, who each have 14 points.
For Nigeria to qualify automatically, they need a “win-and-hope” scenario. They must win their final two matches—first against Lesotho on Friday in Polokwane and then against Benin at home next Tuesday—and also hope that both Benin and South Africa drop points in their final fixtures.
Despite the pressure from the tight race, the Fulham defender is confident that the team has the mental strength and experience to handle the situation. He told the Super Eagles media that their focus is on controlling what they can do on the pitch:
“To remain calm and do what we have to. I think this is not the first time, club or country, any of us have been in a high-pressure moment. So, I think we have an experienced team to handle this situation. It is just about making sure we do everything right.”
