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Former Real Madrid midfielder Mutiu Adepoju has revealed the secret Nigeria must deploy to defeat Benin Republic in Tuesday’s decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier: clinical finishing and width in attack, Footynaija.com reports.
Nigeria, who sit third in Group C with 14 points, trail leaders Benin by three and need victory to keep their World Cup dream alive. South Africa, currently second with 12 points, face Rwanda at the same time in a game that could also influence the group’s outcome.
Adepoju, a veteran of two World Cups, urged the Super Eagles to ‘be ruthless in front of goal’ and avoid the familiar wastefulness that has cost them in previous matches.
“The team has to be more clinical. At this stage, we can’t afford to be careless with finishing. One goal can change everything — both in our game and across the group,” he said.
Adepoju also encouraged the team to play through the wings, insisting Nigeria’s long-standing strength in wide areas could be the key to unlocking Benin’s compact defence.
“Playing through the wings will open up spaces and allow more goal-scoring opportunities. We’ve always been strong in wide areas — that’s our identity, and we must use it to our advantage,” he said.
With national pride and qualification on the line, Adepoju reminded the players that ‘nothing less than a win will do.’
Despite the tight situation, the former Super Eagles star expressed confidence in the team’s ability to rise to the occasion.
“We’ve been here before as a nation. Nigerians believe in this team, and it’s time for the players to deliver,” he concluded.
