Steve Mounie: Benin Republic fired up for Super Eagles clash

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Benin Republic captain Steve Mounie says the Cheetahs are fully motivated ahead of their decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying showdown with Nigeria on Tuesday.

Gernot Rohr’s side currently sit top of Group C with 17 points from nine matches, followed by South Africa with 15, while Nigeria are third on 14 points.

Mounie emphasized that every player understands the importance of the game and the collective goal of sealing qualification for the World Cup.

“I don’t think I need to motivate my teammates that much. We all know what we are playing for tomorrow, which is bigger than every individual,”
said the forward during Monday’s press conference.

“Everyone knows what we have to do tomorrow to get qualification. I don’t need to tell my teammates much. We will give our best on the pitch.”

The high-stakes fixture will kick off at 5 p.m. (Nigeria time) at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.

Oluwaseun Oyediji

Oluwaseun Babatunde Oyediji is a multi-media sports journalist with over 10 years experience in Information Communication Technology (ICT), women's football, and beach soccer reportage.The prolific writer is the Media Assistant to Nigeria Beach Soccer League and Africa Beach Soccer Union as well as contributor on Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) website.He has covered multiple national and international football tournaments including Championship of African Nations (CHAN 2020), CAF Women's Champions League (2023), and Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2023).Since 2021, Oyediji has covered the NWFL Premiership especially the season ending Super Six Playoffs.A member of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Ogun state chapter is also the image maker of the Remo Sports Development Council under the leadership of Chief Falilat Ogunkoya and David Osuolale.

See Full Bio