… ‘qualification enough motivation to beat Nigeria’ – Mounie
Benin Republic captain Steve Mounie says the Cheetahs are confident of getting a result against the Super Eagles despite playing away from home, as they chase a historic qualification for their first-ever FIFA World Cup.
The Cheetahs need a win or at least a draw to finish as Group C winners and secure automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
Interestingly, Benin remain the only team to have defeated Nigeria in the ongoing World Cup qualifiers, and Mounie believes that history gives them belief heading into Tuesday’s decisive clash at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.
“I didn’t know we were the only team that has defeated Nigeria in these qualifiers,” Mounie said during the pre-match press conference in Uyo.
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“Like the coach (Gernot Rohr) said, it shows we have a chance. If we are the only team that has beaten Nigeria before, then we can do it again. Hopefully, we’ll take our chances and secure qualification.”
The 31-year-old Alanyaspor striker, who previously played for Huddersfield Town and Augsburg, said the prospect of making history is all the motivation the team needs.
“We don’t need any extra motivation beyond knowing that if we win, we’ll be going to the World Cup,” he noted.
“If we qualify, it will be historic for Benin and for me personally. I started playing football for moments like this, to write history. To do it against Nigeria and qualify for the World Cup would be the ultimate motivation.”
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