Nigeria’s Super Eagles are in danger of missing a second consecutive FIFA World Cup participation following their 2-1 defeat to Benin Republic in Cote d’Ivoire on Monday.
After a miserable 1-1 consecutive draws against Lesotho, Zimbabwe and South Africa respectively in their first three matches of the 2026 World Cup qalifiers, the Finidi George-led squad needed to beat their hosts in Cote d’Ivoire to keep the hope of playing at the joint U.S.A., Canada and Mexico 2026 World Cup alive.
The Nigerian national team, however, stumbled against the Cheetahs of Benin Republic.
Despite starting the match on a good note, thanks to Raphael Onyedika’s goal in the 27th minute of the first half, Finidi George’s men went into the break behind, as Jodel Dossou and Steve Mounie scored respectively before the interval to give Gernot Rohr-led Beninese side the lead.
The result moved Benin Republic to the top of Group C with seven points, while Nigeria remained fifth with three points.
