Eagles’ defeat to Benin Republic, my saddest day — Okumagba

Okumagba

Founder and President of Super Eagles Supporters Club (SESC), Vincent Okumagba, has expressed his grief following the Super Eagles’ disappointing performance in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, describing the experience as one of his worst moments as a football supporter.

Speaking with The Guardian on his return from Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire, where Nigeria lost away 1-2 to Benin Republic, the SESC boss said: “this is one of my worst moment as a football supporter. After securing just one point from two straight matches both home and away, I felt they would give everything to get result in Uyo. We mobilised members nationwide to be in Uyo for the match only to witness a lackluster performance from the team.”
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He added: “More painful is losing to Benin Republic on Monday at the away match. Now the qualifications for the World Cup have almost gone out in flames. We are very disappointed. This is neither the team nor the result we hoped for.”

The Super Eagles secured only one point from a possible six, drawing 1-1 with South Africa in Uyo and losing 1-2 to Benin Republic in Abidjan in their third and fourth games of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying series.

These results leave the Super Eagles with just three points from a possible 12 in their quest to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

Okumagba, however, commended the level of support shown by the Beninois during the World Cup qualifying match in Abidjan, while advocating for unity among the already estranged football supporters clubs in Nigeria.

“We saw the unity the Benin supporters showed with everyone adorning the same attire.”

This is exactly what we need in Nigeria right now and the football authority should do everything to achieve this.

“There are too many divisions and distractions in our football that have become a clog in their wheel of progress.”

“We are disappointed with the result, but we are still hopeful that the Eagles will get it right in subsequent matches.”
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