Mikel Obi also said the Super Eagles players must take responsibility, and fight for the country.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Former Chelsea midfielder, John Mikel Obi has said the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin Republic are must win games for the Super Eagles.
He made this known while speaking on the latest edition of the ‘ObiOne’ Podcast.
Nigeria currently occupy third position in Group C with 11 points from eight games.
Eric Chelle’s side are poised to take on the Crocodiles of Lesotho, and Squirrels of Benin Republic in their last two games in the qualifying series.
They will be guests of Lesotho at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane on Friday.
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The Super Eagles will round up their qualifying campaign with a home fixture against Benin Republic next week Tuesday.
Speaking ahead of the two fixtures, Obi reminded the Super Eagles that they must first win the games to have any hope of qualifying for the World Cup.
He also said they must take responsibility, and fight for the nation, adding that Nigerians love “football too much”.
He said, “It’s going to be a crime, an absolute crime, if Nigeria doesn’t make it to the World Cup again.
“We love our football too much. Our World Cup fate is in the players’ hands. They have to win these two games—no excuses.”
