Benin Republic defeated the Super Eagles for the first time on Monday after scoring a 2-1 goal.
That scoreline leaves Nigeria’s World Cup qualification on the line.
Nigeria has only a miserable three points from four World Cup qualification games and is 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.
While the game started on a good note for the Nigerians, they had to wait 25 minutes before taking the lead. Raphael Onyedika of Club Brugge gave the Super Eagles the advantage when he slotted in cooly just inside the box.
But unfazed, the Cheetahs of Benin coached by a former Nigerian gaffer Gernot Rohr levelled proceedings in the 37th minute from Jodei Dossou after a defensive error from the Super Eagles.
They compounded Nigeria’s misery just before the halftime whistle via Steve Mounie.
On the resumption of the second half, Nigeria rang some changes in a push to find the leveller. However, the Cheetahs defended stoutly to record one of their biggest wins in football.
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, Monday’s result leaves Nigeria 5th in the Group C qualification lot for the 2026 World Cup.
Nigeria, in four matches, has drawn three and lost one.
Also recall that 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.
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