Nigeria have failed to win their fourth consecutive 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers matches after losing 2-1 to Benin Republic at the Boigny Stadium in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, on Monday.
The defeat means Nigeria is sitting 5th in Group C and could further be condemned to the bottom if Zimbabwe win against South Africa on Tuesday.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria started the game in front foot and that paid off when Raphael Onyedika received a pass from Samuel Chukwueze to slot home from close range in the 28th minute.
The Eagles were later pegged back by The Cheetahs of Benin Republic when Jodel Dossou struck a thumping strike past the on-rushing Stanley Nwabali in the 37th minute.
The goal stirred the Beninese crowd and the players alike who added a second goal in the 45+3′ minute through Steve Mounie, following a corner kick which Nigeria failed to clear.
Super Eagles Coach, Finidi George introduced Victor Boniface and Paul Onuachu in the second half but the game ended 2-1 in favour of the Benin Republic as the The Cheetahs held on to a famous win.
CONVERSEER reports that Benin Republic had only won Nigeria once in 17 games before today.
The win takes Benin Republic to the top spot on 7 points, above Lesotho on 5 points, who still have a game in hand.
Meanwhile, Nigeria remain second bottom with 3 points, following their draw against Lesotho, Zimbabwe and South Africa.
Former Nigeria coach, Gernot Rohr, was the coach for Benin Republic in today’s match.
Below is how the Group C table looks
1. Benin Republic – 7 points
2. Lesotho – 5 points
3. Rwanda – 4 points
4. South Africa – 4 points
5. Nigeria – 3 points
6. Zimbabwe – 2 points