Super Eagles must defeat South Africa, Benin Republic, says Ndidi

Nigeria’s Super Eagles midfielder Wilfred Ndidi says the three-time African champions must defeat South Africa and Benin Republic in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in June.

Ndidi, who missed Nigeria’s 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) due to an injury, said the pressure is on the players to win, having performed below expectations in the opening two games.

“Yeah, they (the games) are really important because we know where we stand at the moment. it’s not a good position, to be honest, we should be honest with ourselves,” the Leicester City midfielder told Arise TV.

Ndidi continued by reiterating the fact that there are no longer small teams in African football, “As long as you’re in that group you want to qualify so there are no small countries or small teams.

“Where we are at the moment gives us more pressure, because these games are must-win games. I’m not saying we will win the game but I’m saying they are must-win games because we don’t know what’s going to happen. It all boils down to us as a team because we know what is at hand and then we know we have to get as much as we can in these two games just to go up there,” the 27-year-old

Ndidi registered four goals and five assists in 32 appearances as Leicester secured their promotion to the English Premier League (EPL).

Barring any unforeseen circumstances, he’s expected to make Finidi George’s squad for the qualifiers in June.