Benin Republic defeated the Super Eagles 2-1 for the first time on Monday in the fourth round of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers. This scoreline leaves Nigeria’s World Cup qualification on the line.
Nigeria have only a miserable three points from four World Cup qualification games and are at the risk of missing the next football tournament.
The Super Eagles came into the game needing a win after drawing South Africa some days back.
In the 29th minute, Raphael Onyedika’s effort to the right corner of the post opened the score for Nigeria.
However, Jodel Dossou of Benin tied the score with a well-placed shot after the Super Eagles made a defensive blunder.
Benin took the lead shortly before halftime thanks to a right-footed goal by Steve Mounie from a corner.
The Super Eagles lost the second half despite the introduction of Victor Boniface, Paul Onuachu, and Ibrahim Olawoyin, among others. Nigeria was unable to equalise.
Head coach Finidi George, named Terem Moffi and Ademola Lookman to spearhead the attack, while Boniface was placed on the bench.
The Super Eagles took to the field goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali. In defence were Bassey, Tanimu, Ajayi and Osayi-Samuel. Meanwhile, Ndidi, Onyeka, Iwobi started in midfield. Leading the attack were Chukwueze, Lookman and Moffi.
The substitutes include; Iheanacho, Boniface, Onuachu, Abdullahi, Dele-Bashiru, Onyeka Awaziem, Olawoyin, Igboke, Ismaila, Okoye (GK) and Ojo (GK).
Meanwhile, the result of this match means that Nigeria is now placed fifth, while the Benin Republic moves up to first place in the six-team table.
Nigeria, in four matches, has drawn three and lost one.
Last Friday, Pressure mounted on the Super Eagles after the team played a 1-1 draw against Bafana Bafana of South Africa in the third round of the 2026 World Cup qualifier.
Themba Zwane of South Africa opened the scoresheet in the 29th minute of the match played at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. Equalising after a superb turn, Nigeria’s Fisayo Dele-Bashiru slotted in a low shot to the edge of the post in the 46th minute. The match ended in a stalemate.
Monday’s result leaves Nigeria 5th in the Group C qualification lot for the 2026 World Cup.
