National Teams
2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers: Cheetahs compound Super Eagles woes in Abidjan
By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde
Nigeria’s senior men’s national team suffered their first loss in Group C of 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers after a 2-1 victory for Benin Republic over the three time African champions at Stade Felix Houphpouet Boigny, Abidjan, Cote D’Ivoire on Monday.
The Super Eagles had played out 1-1 draws against Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and South Africa and needed a win ahead of this match.
Head coach Finidi George made three changes to the side that had a 1-1 draw with South Africa last Friday.
Raphael Onyedika, Samuel Chukwueze, and Terem Moffi replaced Fisayo Bashiru, Kelechi Iheanacho, and Paul Onuachu respectively.
Stanley Nwabali, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Benjamin Tanimu, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, and Ademola Lookman retained their starting shirts.
Onyedika opened the scoring for the Super Eagles in the 27th minute with a good finish from Iwobi’s assist.
The lead last for ten minute before Gernot Rohr’s side restored parity thanks to Jodel Dossou’s goal.
In the additional minutes of the first half, Steve Mounie put the Cheetahs ahead from a corner kick which was not well defender by the Nigerian defenders.
Benin Republic held on in the second half to claim their first win in decades over Nigeria to the delight of former Super Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr who is charge of the team.
They moved top of the log with seven points ahead of two other group games on Tuesday.
