‘He was in the dressing room’ - Nigerian journalist reveals what NFF president told Super Eagles players at halftime

The Super Eagles secured a dramatic 4-0 victory over Benin in Uyo on Tuesday, keeping their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification hopes alive. 

Despite a hat-trick from star player Victor Osimhen, Nigeria's path to the next round was on the brink of collapse. 

However, Frank Onyeka of Brentford reignited their World Cup hopes with a spectacular 90th-minute volley.

Insider reports suggest there was confusion on the pitch regarding the exact requirements for qualification. 

However, the crucial intervention from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) leadership helped the Super Eagles clinch a playoff spot.

Udoh revealed that the NFF president had to enter the dressing room to clarify the team's objective.

"I was speaking to the NFF President after the game, and he said he was in the dressing room at half-time," Udoh explained. 

"He told Osimhen and the others that they needed to score four goals to make it through."

Thanks to Gusau's clear instructions and Onyeka's late heroics, Nigeria's World Cup campaign continues. 

The Super Eagles are now set to face Gabon in a playoff match in Morocco this November, pending the official FIFA rankings confirmation on October 23.