In the fourth round of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers, the Super Eagles of Nigeria faced a disappointing 2-1 defeat against Benin Republic on Monday.
Nigeria initially took the lead in the 29th minute when Raphael Onyedika scored with a well-placed shot to the right corner of the post. However, Benin quickly equalized after a defensive error by the Super Eagles, with Jodel Dossou finding the net with a precise strike.
Before halftime, Benin seized the lead with a right-footed goal from Steve Mounie following a corner.
Despite substitutions in the second half, including Victor Boniface, Paul Onuachu, and Ibrahim Olawoyin, Nigeria failed to level the score.
Head coach Finidi George opted for Terem Moffi and Ademola Lookman to lead the attack, with Boniface starting from the bench. Stanley Nwabali guarded the goal, supported by Bassey, Tanimu, Ajayi, and Osayi-Samuel in defense. Ndidi, Onyeka, and Iwobi formed the midfield trio, while Chukwueze, Lookman, and Moffi spearheaded the attack.
On the bench, substitutes included Iheanacho, Boniface, Onuachu, Abdullahi, Dele-Bashiru, Onyeka Awaziem, Olawoyin, Igboke, Ismaila, Okoye (GK), and Ojo (GK).
The defeat against Benin Republic has pushed Nigeria down to fifth place in the six-team table, while Benin now occupies the top spot.
This result adds to Nigeria’s struggles in the qualifiers, with the team having drawn three matches and suffered one defeat in four games.
In the previous match, the Super Eagles faced pressure after a 1-1 draw against South Africa’s Bafana Bafana. Themba Zwane opened the scoring for South Africa in the 29th minute, but Nigeria’s Fisayo Dele-Bashiru equalized with a low shot in the 46th minute, leading to a stalemate at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
