It has gone from bad to worse for Nigeria in 2026 World Cup qualifying series after they fell 2-1 to Benin Abidjan tonight.
The loss to the Republic of Benin was the first loss for the Super Eagles in the qualifiers as they languished to second from bottom of Group C with three points from four matches.
Led by former Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr, Benin shot to the top of the standings on seven points in Abidjan after their fourth World Cup qualifying game against the Giants of Africa.
Raphael Onyedika gave the Super Eagles the lead in the 27th minute to crown a bright start for the visitors.
Samuel Chukwueze darted inside the box from the right flank before he found Onyedika on the edge of the box and the Club Brugge midfielder fired home an unstoppable shot beyond the diving Benin goalkeeper Marcel Dandjinou.
Benin drew level in the 36th minute when Calvin Bassey failed to clear a long ball and Jodel Dossou sprinted clear to slot past Stanley Nwabali in the Nigeria goal.
The Cheetahs then went in front in stoppage time through skipper Steve Mounie, who put away a flick off a corner from inside the six-yard box.
The Super Eagles made two attacking changes soon after action resumed for the second half – Paul Onuachu on for Terem Moffi and Victor Boniface replaced Alex Iwobi.
In the 54th minute, Chukwueze’s measured cross into the box was fluffed by both Onuachu and Ademola Lookman with only the Benin goalkeeper to beat.
Benin frustrated Nigeria by keeping the ball as much as possible as the minutes ticked away.
Onuachu saw a desperate header come off the crossbar in added time as The Cheetahs remained resolute in defence and Nigeria could not break through their backline again.
Matchday 5 of the qualifiers will resume in March 2025.
Super Eagles Starting XI vs Benin (4-3-3)
Stanley Nwabali; Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Benjamin Taminu, Bright Osayi (Sodiq Ismail 60); Wilfred Ndidi (Captain) (Alhassan Yusuf 79), Raphael Onyedika, Alex Iwobi (Victor Boniface 50); Ademola Lookman, Terem Moffi (Paul Onuachu 50), Samuel Chukwueze (Ibrahim Olawoyin 60)
