Super Eagles winger Samuel Chukwueze says the team’s togetherness and “family bond” were the driving forces behind Nigeria’s dramatic 4–1 extra-time victory over Gabon in Rabat — a win that secured a place in Sunday’s World Cup playoff final against DR Congo.
Chukwueze, who was one of Nigeria’s brightest performers throughout the encounter, described the match as “emotional, exhausting, and inspiring,” insisting that what kept the team going during tense moments was their unity both on and off the pitch.
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“This team is a family,” Chukwueze said. “We stay together, fight for each other, and push each other. That is why we won this game. Even when Gabon equalised late, nobody panicked. We believed in ourselves.”
The AC Milan winger stressed the significance of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, calling it “a duty to the nation.” He said missing out on Qatar 2022 remains a painful memory for the squad, and they are determined to ensure it never happens again.
“We know what the World Cup means to Nigerians,” he said. “We must qualify — it’s not negotiable. This is for our people back home. They have suffered with us, supported us, prayed for us. We want to give them joy.”
Chukwueze praised Victor Osimhen, Akor Adams, and Chidera Ejuke for their crucial contributions, and also highlighted the defensive leadership of William Troost-Ekong and the emergence of young defender Benjamin Frederick.
According to him, the emphatic extra-time display was the result of the team’s mentality and collective determination.
“In extra time, we showed character. We showed hunger. That is the real Super Eagles,” he said.
Looking ahead to Sunday’s final against DR Congo, Chukwueze insisted the team would “fight from the first whistle to the last,” urging fans to remain supportive.
“Keep believing in us. We will give everything. We want to fly the Super Eagles into the World Cup again.”
