Former Metz and Al-Nassr forward Rasak Omotoyossi is optimistic that Benin Republic can surpass Nigeria to secure a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Sportblog247.com reports.

Benin Republic, having never qualified for the World Cup, has sparked hope among its citizens with an impressive start to the qualifying campaign. Initially considered underdogs in Group C, Benin shares the top spot with South Africa and Rwanda, each boasting seven points, and maintains a four-point lead over three-time African champions Nigeria.

The Cheetahs have achieved two wins and one draw in their first four games, with their most notable victory coming against Nigeria on June 10. In that match, Raphael Onyedika gave the Super Eagles the lead before goals from Jodel Oluwafemi Dossou and Steve Mounié secured a win for Gernot Rohr’s team.

Rasak Omotoyossi believes that Benin can replicate Togo’s remarkable feat of qualifying for their first World Cup in 2006, despite being underdogs. He notes that Nigeria can still qualify for the 2026 World Cup if the Super Eagles win all their remaining six games, but emphasizes that it will require significant effort.

“Well, let me say history can happen sometimes,” Omotoyossi told Brila. “When Togo went to the World Cup, nobody believed. So Benin has the chance now, they just have to use it now. So, the game remains up to them.

“Nigeria has to work hard if they want to become the African giants that they are.”

The Super Eagles’ next World Cup qualifying games are against Rwanda and Zimbabwe in March 2025.

4o