Benin defeated Nigeria 2-1 in matchday 4 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers to make things extremely difficult for the Super Eagles. Nigeria had
Benin defeated Nigeria 2-1 in matchday 4 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers to make things extremely difficult for the Super Eagles.
Nigeria had won three points from the three games played before this game.
Super Eagles needed to avoid defeat at all costs to have a bright chance to challenge for the slot when the qualifiers return next year.
Former Nigeria’s head coach Genort Rohr’s Benin are on top of Group C after winning the last two games.
Nigeria opened the scoreline with Samuel Chukwueze assisting Club Brugge’s midfielder Raphael Onyedika in the 27th minute.
Benin needed something special to bounce back into the game after conceding the first goal. They equalised through Sochaux’s Jodel Dossu in the 37th minute.
Brest’s Steve Mounie struck on the stroke of halftime to stun Nigeria. Benin went to the break leading the star-studded Nigeria 2-1.
Fireworks were expected from Nigeria in the second half with Victor Boniface and Paul Onuachu replacing Moffi and Iwobi in the 51st minute respectively.
With enough firepower upfront, Nigeria couldn’t find the equaliser as Benin held on to the incredible lead to triumph to top the group.
Finidi George will be under immense pressure after failing to win any of the two games played so far in the qualifiers.
If South Africa beats Zimbabwe, they will have a huge advantage over Nigeria in the group.
Team news:
Benin 🇧🇯 XI:
Dandjinou, Kiki, Moumini, Tijani, Hountondji, Olaitan, D’Almeida, Imourane, Dodo, Dossou, Mounie.
Nigeria 🇳🇬 XI:
Nwabali, Bassey, Tanimu, Ajayi, Osayi-Samuel, Ndidi, Onyeka, Iwobi, Chukwueze, Lookman, Moffi.
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