W’Cup Qualifier: S/Eagles walk the tight rope, hope for S/Africa slip

Coach Eric Chelle says the Super Eagles will give their all against Benin Republic in today’s final Group C clash of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Nigeria, currently third in the group, must win in Uyo and hope South Africa drop points against Rwanda in Nelspruit to secure qualification. Benin Republic top the group with 17 points and need only a draw at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium to qualify ,for their first-ever FIFA World Cup. South Africa, second with 15 points, will advance with a win over Rwanda, unless Nigeria defeat Benin by two or more goals. Chelle expressed confidence in his team’s mindset ahead of the match. “We know the odds, but our focus is on winning,” Chelle told newsmen during a pre-match conference on Monday. “We owe it to ourselves, to the fans, and to the badge. “We can’t control what happens in Nelspruit, but we can control how we play here in Uyo,” he said. “We’re ready to fight for the result.” Nigeria have featured in six World Cup tournaments since debuting in 1994. They aim to avoid back-to-back absences after missing the Qatar 2022 edition. Despite sitting third, the Super Eagles have lost only once in the group. Benin and South Africa have lost two matches each. Benin, coached by former Nigeria boss Gernot Rohr, are unbeaten in their last four qualifiers and have impressed throughout the campaign. “Benin are well organised and confident. They’ve earned their position,” Chelle said. “But we have experience and quality. We’re not stepping aside.” Nigeria’s squad includes key players with tournament experience. Captain William Ekong and midfielder Alex Iwobi played at the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Ekong, the 2024 AFCON Player of the Tournament, will earn his 83rd cap. Iwobi is set for his 89th appearance. Top scorer Victor Osimhen, along with Calvin Bassey, Frank Onyeka and Samuel Chukwueze, are among those targeting a first World Cup appearance. Benin have qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations only four times, reaching the quarter-finals in 2019. Nigeria have won the continental title three times. Injury and suspension have affected both squads. Nigeria will be without Ademola Lookman, Ola Aina and Bright Osayi-Samuel. Benin miss Yohan Roche and Sessi d’Almeida. “Injuries are part of football,” Chelle added. “But we have depth, and I believe in the players available. Everyone is ready to step up.” Benin’s population of 11.5 million will back Rohr’s team, while over 220 million Nigerians, including thousands in the stands, will rally behind the Super Eagles. A two-goal win for Nigeria, and failure by South Africa to beat Rwanda, will send the Super Eagles to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

FG suspends accreditation of degree certificates from Benin Republic, Togo

Sequel to a report detailing how a degree was acquired from a university in Benin Republic in under two months, the Federal Government has suspended the accreditation and evaluation of degree certificates from the Country and Togo. “This report lends credence to suspicions that some Nigerians deploy nefarious means and unconscionable methods to get a Degree with the end objective of getting graduate job opportunities for which they are not qualified,” the spokesperson for the Ministry of Education Augustina Obilor-Duru said in a Tuesday statement. “The Federal Ministry of Education vehemently decries such acts and with effect from 2nd January 2024 is suspending evaluation and accreditation of degree certificates from Benin and Togo Republics pending the outcome of an investigation that would involve the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nigeria and the two countries, the ministries responsible for Education in the two countries as well the Department of State Security Services (DSSS), and the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC).” The ministry is also calling on Nigerians to assist in providing information to help the committee as it seeks lasting solutions to prevent future occurrences. “FME has been contending with the problem including illegal institutions located abroad or at home preying on unsuspecting, innocent Nigerians and some desperate Nigerians who deliberately patronize such outlets,” the statement added. “Periodically, warnings have been issued by the Ministry and NUC against the resort to such institutions and in some instances, reports made to security agencies to clamp down on the perpetrators. The ministry will continue to review its strategy to plug any loopholes, processes, and procedures and deal decisively with any conniving officials.”

What Benin Republic President Discussed With Tinubu At Aso Rock

President Patrice Talon of Benin Republic made a diplomatic visit to President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria at the State House in Abuja on Wednesday evening. Both leaders engaged in discussions to bolster trade relations between their nations, emphasizing the critical need for cooperation to drive economic growth in West Africa. President Tinubu highlighted the necessity for synchronized efforts between Nigeria and Benin Republic, emphasizing their shared interests and likening the countries to conjoined twins. Expressing support for Benin’s economic initiatives, Tinubu underlined the importance of common economic principles and priorities.  He lauded President Talon’s proactive approach and expressed readiness to foster prosperity through private sector collaboration. President Talon sought President Tinubu’s support in enhancing trade ties ahead of the ECOWAS Summit, emphasizing the importance of stronger economic integration between Benin and Nigeria.  He outlined Benin’s national development plan focusing on deepening ties with Nigeria, particularly in trade, and stressed the need for implementing existing agreements to promote mutual growth. Additionally, Talon proposed the formation of an inter-ministerial technical committee to facilitate cooperation across sectors and address bilateral issues like smuggling, aiming to protect interests while aligning their economies. “Our investment programme must be revised to factor in all factors of the Nigerian economy. We seek to set up an inter-ministerial technical committee that will jointly prepare a draft document for our legislatures. I am ready to sign an executive order to appoint members of the council to advance mutually beneficial cooperation across sectors. “There have been difficulties bilaterally on the issue of smuggling. We will work hard to coordinate and ensure that your interests are protected as we integrate our economies. I want us to make history together,” President Talon said.

Tragedy As Illegal Fuel Depot Explosion Claims 34 Lives in Benin Republic

At least 34 individuals lost their lives in a devastating explosion at an illicit fuel depot near the Nigeria-Benin Republic border. Interior Minister Alassane Seidou conveyed this grim news during a press briefing. The incident unfolded in the town of Seme Podji, where a catastrophic fire erupted due to contraband fuel storage. Among the victims were two infants, their bodies tragically charred by the intense blaze. Additionally, Minister Seidou disclosed that 20 individuals sustained injuries and were currently receiving medical treatment, with some in critical condition. Fuel smuggling is a prevalent issue in the region, particularly along the borders with Nigeria. This illicit activity has been exacerbated by the Nigerian government’s previous fuel price subsidy, which incentivized smuggling due to lower petrol costs. The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with illegal fuel depots and the urgent need for measures to combat such activities and enhance safety along border regions.