In the fourth round of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers, the Super Eagles of Nigeria suffered a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Benin Republic on Monday.
Nigeria took the lead in the 29th minute when Raphael Onyedika skillfully placed the ball into the right corner of the post.
However, Jodel Dossou of Benin equalized with a perfectly executed shot following a defensive mistake by the Super Eagles.
Benin seized the advantage just before the break with a skillful right-footed strike from Steve Mounie off a corner kick.
The Super Eagles suffered a defeat in the second half, even with the inclusion of Victor Boniface, Paul Onuachu, and Ibrahim Olawoyin, among other players. Nigeria failed to equalize.
The head coach, Finidi George, has selected Terem Moffi and Ademola Lookman to lead the attack, with Boniface starting on the bench.
Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali made his way onto the field as the Super Eagles prepared for the match. Bassey, Tanimu, Ajayi, and Osayi-Samuel formed a strong defensive line. Meanwhile, Ndidi, Onyeka, and Iwobi were selected to start in the midfield. Chukwueze, Lookman, and Moffi spearheaded the attack.
The substitutes for the match are Iheanacho, Boniface, Onuachu, Abdullahi, Dele-Bashiru, Onyeka Awaziem, Olawoyin, Igboke, Ismaila, Okoye (GK), and Ojo (GK).
In the latest development, Nigeria has slipped to fifth place in the standings, while the Benin Republic has surged to the top spot in the six-team table.
Nigeria has drawn three matches and lost one out of their four.
Last Friday, the Super Eagles faced increasing pressure following their 1-1 draw against Bafana Bafana of South Africa in the third round of the 2026 World Cup qualifier.
Themba Zwane of South Africa scored the first goal in the 29th minute of the match held at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. In the 46th minute, Nigeria’s Fisayo Dele-Bashiru skillfully equalized with a precise low shot that found the edge of the post. The game concluded with no clear winner.