By Seyi Babalola
Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup qualification series has taken a turn for the worse with a 2-1 loss to Benin republic.
It was the Super Eagles’ first loss in the qualifications, and they are currently second from bottom in Group C, with three points from four matches.
Benin, coached led by former Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr, moved to the top of the table with seven points.
Raphael Onyedika gave the Super Eagles the lead in the 27th minute, capping a promising start for the visitors.
Samuel Chukwueze darted into the area from the right flank, finding Onyedika on the outside of the box, and the Club Brugge midfielder hammered home an unstoppable shot past the leaping Benin goalkeeper Marcel Dandjinou.
Benin pulled parity in the 36th minute after Calvin Bassey failed to clear a long ball, allowing Jodel Dossou to sneak past Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.
The Cheetahs subsequently took the lead in stoppage time thanks to skipper Steve Mounie’s flick from a corner from within the six-yard box.
Benin frustrated Nigeria by retaining the ball as long as possible as the minutes ticked past.
In extra time, Onuachu’s desperation header hit the crossbar as the Cheetahs stayed staunch in defence and Nigeria was unable to get through their backline again.
