1 week ago
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Super Eagles midfielder Wilfred Ndidi says the team are ready to correct their previous mistakes and will not allow the Cheetahs of Benin Republic to beat them the second time on the bounce during Saturday’s AFCON 2025 qualifying fixture at Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Benin Republic stunned the Super Eagles 2-1 the last time the two sides met in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, in June, but Ndidi is confident that Saturday’s encounter will be different.
“We, as players, know what we did the last time was really bad. The game was really bad, and everyone was disappointed,” Ndidi told reporters.
“Now, it’s about making everything right.”
The Leicester City star also emphasised that the team is not feeling pressured ahead of the rematch, saying, “There is no pressure, to be honest, because we know what we want to do.
“We know how we want to approach the game. Mentally and physically, we’re ready and fit to actually approach these games.”
Moses Simon is also exuding confidence ahead of the tie, echoing Ndidi’s sentiments, stressing the importance of securing a win against Benin Republic to restore pride and please the fans.
“We know what is at stake. Of course, we lost 2-1 to them, but we don’t want to lose again,” Simon said.
“The guys know what they have to do to win. We don’t want a draw; we just want to play our game and give a smile to Nigerians.”
Simon, who plays for Nantes in France, also acknowledged the tension and frustration that Nigerian fans feel when the national team fail to deliver.
“You feel sad, especially when you’re in Nigeria watching the game. You can feel the tension and anger in people when you don’t win,” he said.
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