The Super Eagles of Nigeria fell to a shock 2-1 defeat to Benin in Monday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match played in Abidjan, www.aclsports.com reports.
The Cheetahs of Benin, who former Super Eagles handler Gernot Rohr manages, came from a goal down in the first half to beat Finidi George’s men at their adopted home ground – Stade Félix Houphouët Boigny – on match day four of the qualifiers. Raphael Onyedika gave the Super Eagles the advantage when he slotted in cooly just inside the box before goals from Jodel Dossou and Steve Mounie turned the game on its head for the hosts.
Nigeria, who came into the fixture on the back of a home draw against South Africa, started the game the better side as they enjoyed most of the ball possession. Onyedika, who started in place of the injured Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, put the Eagles in front. The Club Brugge midfielder received a pass from Samuel Chuwkueze just inside the box before firing into the corner for the opener.
The hosts woke up after going behind and tested the Super Eagles’ defence a few times before eventually getting their equalizer. Dossou profited from a mixup in the Nigeria defence to fire past a hapless Stanley Nwabali in the 37th minute. They compounded Nigeria’s misery just before the halftime whistle via Steve Mounie.
On the resumption of the second half, Nigeria made some changes in a push to find the leveller. However, the Cheetahs defended resolutely to record a first win over their West African counterparts.
Monday’s result leaves Nigeria, who are still winless, 5th with three points in the Group C qualification group for the 2026 World Cup, while Benin go top of the group based on the win. Meanwhile, the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers will resume in March 2025.
