World Cup Qualifiers: Super Eagles Fall To Benin
The Super Eagles of Nigeria, on Monday, were defeated 2-1 by Benin Republic in the fourth round of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers, at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire.
Head coach Finidi George, named Terem Moffi and Ademola Lookman to spearhead the attack, while Boniface was placed on the bench.
The Super Eagles took to the field goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali. In defence were Bassey, Tanimu, Ajayi and Osayi-Samuel. Meanwhile, Ndidi, Onyeka, Iwobi started in midfield. Leading the attack were Chukwueze, Lookman and Moffi.
SuperEagles Team News in
⚪️Semi and Bassey in the centre of defense
⚡️ Onyedika in the midfield
Chukwueze and Moffi join the attack #SoarSuperEagles #BENNGA pic.twitter.com/OyXKip1QT6— Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) June 10, 2024
In the 29th minute, Raphael Onyedika’s effort to the right corner of the post opened the scoring for Nigeria.
However, Jodel Dossou of Benin tied the score with a well-placed shot after the Super Eagles made a defensive blunder.
Benin took the lead shortly before halftime thanks to a right-footed goal by Steve Mounie from a corner.
The Super Eagles were unable to equalise in the second half despite the introduction of Victor Boniface, Paul Onuachu and Ibrahim Olawoyin, among others as the math finished 2-1 to Benin.
Pure emotion from Marcel Dandjinou as Benin beat Nigeria for the first time ever! #WCQ pic.twitter.com/zCFHK0XaUG
— CAF (@CAF_Online) June 11, 2024
Meanwhile, the result of this match means that Nigeria is now placed fifth, while the Benin Republic moves up to first place in the six-team table.
Nigeria, in four matches, have drawn three and lost one.
Last Friday, pressure mounted on the Super Eagles after the team played a 1-1 draw against Bafana Bafana of South Africa in the third round of the 2026 World Cup qualifier.
African #WCQ are done for the day. ✅ pic.twitter.com/HLKPtY7aqB
— CAF (@CAF_Online) June 10, 2024