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As the contention for qualification to the 2026 FIFA World Cup heats up, some Nigeria and Benin Republic volition beryllium missing cardinal players successful their decisive Group C clash acceptable for Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
Benin Republic’s caput coach, Gernot Rohr, has confirmed that 2 of his cardinal men — Sessi d’Almeida and Yohan Roche — volition beryllium unavailable for enactment aft receiving their 2nd yellowish cards successful the Cheetahs’ constrictive 1-0 triumph implicit Rwanda connected Friday.
Speaking to writer Osasu Obayiuwana, Rohr expressed disappointment implicit the suspensions but remained optimistic astir his team’s chances against his erstwhile employers, Nigeria.
Read more: Explainer: How Nigeria tin suffice for 2026 World Cup aft Lesotho win
“We person mislaid 2 players (for the lucifer against Nigeria) arsenic a effect of a 2nd yellowish card,” Rohr said.
“But each is imaginable for the 3 teams (South Africa, Benin and Nigeria). We present person the determination (to triumph successful Uyo) successful our hands. This tin beryllium a small advantage. But we volition see, we volition see. Big suspense until the extremity [of the qualifying series].”
Meanwhile, the Super Eagles volition besides beryllium without 1 of their standout players, Ademola Lookman, who picked up a 2nd yellowish paper during Nigeria’s 2-1 triumph implicit Lesotho connected Friday.
Lookman was cautioned successful the 64th minute, ruling him retired of the adjacent fixture nether CAF’s disciplinary regulations, which mandate a one-match suspension aft 2 bookings successful the qualifiers.
Super Eagles caput manager Eric Chelle has, however, played down the interaction of Lookman’s absence, insisting that his squad remains focused and acceptable for the challenge.
“The squad remains focused and assured heading into the encounter,” Chelle said.
“We person capable extent to vie efficaciously contempt the setback. Lookman’s suspension is unfortunate, but the squad possesses the quality and determination to unafraid victory.”
Chelle added that Lookman volition inactive play a supportive relation disconnected the pitch, encouraging his teammates arsenic they purpose for qualification.
“Every subordinate indispensable beryllium mentally prepared to contribute, whether arsenic a starter oregon substitute,” helium said. “We indispensable support absorption and instrumentality afloat power of our qualification destiny.”
Nigeria presently beryllium 3rd successful Group C, down Benin Republic and South Africa, making Tuesday’s brushwood successful Uyo a must-win if the Super Eagles are to support their World Cup hopes alive.
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