Super Eagles winger Samuel Chukwueze says Nigeria’s unity and “family spirit” will be the deciding factor when the team faces DR Congo tonight in the all-important CAF World Cup playoff final in Rabat.
The AC Milan forward insists the Super Eagles have grown stronger mentally and emotionally in the last few months, crediting head coach Eric Chelle for instilling belief and identity in the squad.
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Fresh from contributing to the dramatic 4–1 extra-time victory over Gabon, Chukwueze says the players have moved past every distraction, including the pre-match payment crisis, and are now fully locked in on securing a World Cup ticket for 2026.
According to him, the resilience shown on Thursday—coming back after conceding a heartbreaking 89th-minute equaliser—proves that Nigeria now carry the mentality of a team that refuses to fold under pressure.
“We are a family. That’s our strength,” Chukwueze said. “When you saw the way we reacted in extra time against Gabon, you could tell this team wants the World Cup badly. Tonight, we will fight together again.”
Chukwueze also pointed to Nigeria’s historic record against DR Congo as motivation. The Super Eagles won key AFCON meetings in 1976, 1992 and 1994, and famously dominated them 5–0 in Abuja in 2010.
He warned, however, that the Leopards have improved and should not be underestimated—especially after defeating Cameroon in the semi-final to set up tonight’s showdown.
He praised Chelle’s unbeaten run in competitive matches, calling the Franco-Malian’s tactical discipline a major reason for Nigeria’s growing confidence.
“Coach Chelle trusts us, and we trust him. He has given us freedom to attack and discipline to defend. We want to repay him tonight.”
Chukwueze ended with a message to Nigerians: “We know what’s at stake. This is for 200 million people. We don’t want to miss the World Cup again. We’ll give everything.”
