Nigeria stumbled once more in their 2026 World Cup CAF qualifying effort, losing 2-1 to Benin Republic at the Félix Houphouët-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan on Monday. After a 1-1 draw with South Africa at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium three days earlier, the Super Eagles momentarily raised fans’ hopes when Raphael Onyedika netted a brilliant goal from the edge of the box in the 27th minute, assisted by Samuel Chukwueze.
However, this optimism was short-lived as Jodel Dossou equalized for Benin in the 37th minute, and Steve Mounié scored during first-half stoppage time to secure a landmark victory for the Cheetahs over their more prestigious neighbors. Finidi George, who took charge as Nigeria’s coach in April, made lineup changes by starting Onyedika and Terem Moffi in place of Kelechi Iheanacho and Paul Onuachu. Despite these changes, the team lacked cohesion and direction.
Desperate to change the game’s outcome, Finidi made five substitutions, including debutants Sodiq Ismail and Ibrahim Olawoyin. Yet, Nigeria remained ineffective, with Benin outplaying them in both attack and defense. This loss leaves Nigeria in fifth place with three points, while Benin tops the group with seven points, complicating Nigeria’s qualification prospects for the 2026 World Cup.
