Super Eagles W’Çup hope fades after Benin 2-1 defeat
On Monday, the Super Eagles of Nigeria were defeated 2-1 by Benin Republic in the fourth round of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers. Nigeria took the lead in the 29th minute thanks to Raphael Onyedika's shot to the right corner of the post. However, Jodel Dossou of Benin tied the game with a well-placed shot after the Super Eagles made a defensive error. Benin took the lead just before halftime on a right-footed goal by Steve Mounie from a corner.Despite the entrance of Victor Boniface, Paul Onuachu, and Ibrahim Olawoyin, among others, the Super Eagles fell behind in the second half. Nigeria was unable to equalize. Finidi George, the head coach, assigned Terem Moffi and Ademola Lookman to lead the attack, while Boniface was benched.
Stanley Nwabali, goalie for the Super Eagles, took the pitch. Bassey, Tanimu, Ajayi, and Osayi-Samuel all played defense. Meanwhile, Ndidi, Onyeka, and Iwobi started in the midfield. Chukwueze, Lookman, and Moffi spearheaded the onslaught. The substitutions are: Iheanacho, Boniface, Onuachu, Abdullahi, Dele-Bashiru, Onyeka Awaziem, Olawoyin, Igboke, Ismaila, Okoye (GK), and Ojo (GK). Meanwhile, the outcome of this match puts Nigeria in fifth place, while Benin Republic rises to first place in the six-team table.
Nigeria has lost one and drew three of its four matches. Last Friday, pressure rose on the Super Eagles when they drew 1-1 with South African team Bafana Bafana in the third round of the 2026 World Cup qualifier. South Africa's Themba Zwane opened the scoring in the 29th minute of the encounter at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. In the 46th minute, Nigerian Fisayo Dele-Bashiru equalised with a low shot to the edge of the post following a wonderful spin. The match came to a tie.
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