Benin Republic defeates the Super Eagles of Nigeria 2-1 in the ongoing 2026 World Cup Qualifiers. The result hands a setback for Nigeria’s World Cup qualifying campaign.
This marks the first time Nigeria’s senior team has lost to Benin Republic, and it came under the leadership of their former head coach, Gernot Rohr.
Nigeria began the match on a strong note, with Raphael Onyedika giving them the lead in the 27th minute. However, the game shifted when Jodel Dossou equalized for Benin Republic, capitalizing on a defensive error from Calvin Bassey after an aerial duel with Semi Ajayi.
The decisive moment came in the third minute of added time in the first half (43+3), when Steve Mounié struck from a corner kick, taking advantage of another defensive lapse from the Super Eagles.
This defeat leaves Nigeria in 5th place in their group with 3 points, having secured three draws and one loss. Benin Republic, on the other hand, tops the table with 7 points, boasting two wins, one loss, and one draw.
