Nigeria's woes in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers continued after a shock 2-1 defeat to Benin gave Bafana Bafana an advantage on Monday evening.
2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier
Result: Benin 2-1 Nigeria
Date: 10 June 2024
Venue: Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny
Nigeria made three changes following their draw against Bafana Bafana, as Samuel Chukwueze, Teremas Moffi and Raphael Onyedika were recalled.The Super Eagles came to the game still chasing their first victory after they had to come from behind to salvage a 1-1 draw against South Africa, their third consecutive draw by the same scoreline.
Benin, on the other hand, were high in confidence after they picked up their first victory after edging Rwanda 1-0 last week Thursday.
Finidi George's charges drew first blood just before the half-hour mark after Onyedika fired home a shot in the box after linking up with Chukwueze.
Nigeria's lead lasted only ten minutes after Jodel Dossou levelled matters for Benin with a strike in the box.
The Cheetahs were fired up as on the stroke of half-time Steve Mounié gave them the lead with another shot in the box thanks to an assist by Mohamed Tijani.
As the Super Eagles looked to get back into the game, George made attacking changes early in the second stanza, as Victor Boniface and Ibrahim Olawoyin both came on for Moffi and Chukwueze.
However, Nigeria Ultima could not find the solutions in attack and slipped to a narrow defeat.
The Super Eagles dropped down to fifth in Group C while Benin topped the table, three points ahead of fourth-placed Bafana, who take on Zimbabwe on Tuesday evening.
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