By Tolúlopé Olátúnjí
The Super Eagles have failed to keep the hope for the qualifications of the 2026 FIFA World Cup alive, after suffering a miserable 2-1 defeat against Benin Republic, at the Houphouet Boigny Stadium in Abidjan, Ivory Coast on Monday
Nigeria headed into the crucial match with a hope of winning after a 1-1 draw with South Africa at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom.
The game began well for Nigeria, with Raphael Onyedika of Club Brugge giving the Super Eagles the lead in the 25th minute with a composed finish inside the box.
However, Benin, coached by former Nigerian coach, Gernot Rohr, equalized in the 37th minute through Jodei Dossou, capitalizing on a defensive error by the Super Eagles defender, Calvin Bassey.
Just before halftime, Benin’s Steve Mounie scored from a corner kick, further compounding Nigeria’s woes.
In the second half of the crucial tie, Coach Finidi George sent on Victor Boniface and Paul Onuachu for the ineffective Terem Moffi and Alex Iwobi. The head coach
then made further changes before the hour. Ibrahim Olawoyin came on for his debut for Samuel Chukwueze, while the injured Bright Osaka-Samuel had to be replaced by another debutant, Ismaila Sodiq.
Consequently, the defeat leaves Nigeria on 5th position in Group C of the qualification standings for the 2026 World Cup with three points from three draws after the first four matches, while Genort Rohr’s Benin lead Group C with seven points.
Meanwhile, the next set of matches is in March 2025, when the Eagles will travel to Kigali to face Rwanda and then host Zimbabwe.
