Akinlabi Emmanuel
In Monday’s fourth round of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers, the Super Eagles of Nigeria faced a 2-1 defeat against Benin Republic.
Raphael Onyedika’s goal in the 29th minute initially put Nigeria in the lead, but a defensive error allowed Jodel Dossou to equalize for Benin.
Just before halftime, Steve Mounie secured the lead for Benin with a right-footed goal from a corner kick. Despite substitutions, Nigeria couldn’t find an equalizer in the second half.
Head coach Finidi George opted for Terem Moffi and Ademola Lookman to lead the attack, leaving Victor Boniface on the bench.
The Nigerian squad, with Stanley Nwabali in goal and players like Bassey, Tanimu, and Ajayi in defense, faced a tough challenge.
With this defeat, Nigeria now sits fifth in the standings, while Benin Republic claims the top spot. Nigeria’s current record stands at three draws and one loss in four matches.
In the previous round, pressure mounted on the Super Eagles following a 1-1 draw against South Africa’s Bafana Bafana, where Fisayo Dele-Bashiru’s goal in the 46th minute salvaged a stalemate after Themba Zwane’s opener for South Africa.
