The Super Eagles continued their poor run in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers with a disappointing 2-1 loss to Benin Republic on Monday.
Finidi George made some changes after the poor result against South Africa in Uyo on Friday. Terem Moffi replaced Paul Onuachu, while Samuel Chukwueze was handed a rare start and Victor Boniface once again missed out from the starting eleven.
Kelechi Iheanacho and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru were dropped from the starting eleven, Raphael Onyedika also got a starting place.
Onyedika repaid Finidi’s faith in him by opening the scoring with a stunning strike at the edge of the box in the 27th minute.
Benin Republic’s Dossou took advantage of a defensive mix up from the Super Eagles to restore parity for the hosts in the 37th minute.
The Super Eagles failed to clear a low cross from a corner in the closing moments of the first half to allow Steve Mounie to finish past Stanley Nwabali which gave the hosts a 2-1 lead going into the second half.
Finidi George’s men struggled to find their way back into the game as they succumbed to a shock 2-1 defeat masterminded by the team’s former coach, Gernot Rohr.
The win propelled Benin Republic to the top of Group C with seven points while the Super Eagles can only boast of three points from four games to sit fifth on the table.
Up next for the team in the World Cup qualifiers is a trip to Rwanda in March 2025.
Benin Republic Defeat Super Eagles To Top World Cup Qualifiers Table is first published on The Whistler Newspaper