Nigeria’s Super Eagles remain winless in their World Cup qualifying campaign after suffering a 2-1 defeat to the Gernot Rohr-coached Benin Republic team on Monday evening in Abidjan. This loss leaves the Eagles with three points from four matches, following three consecutive draws.
In a recurring theme, Nigeria entered the second half trailing. Despite a lackluster start, Raphael Onyedika put the Eagles ahead with his first international goal. However, a defensive error by Calvin Bassey allowed Jodel Dossou to equalize for Benin. Just before halftime, Brest’s Steve Mounie capitalized on a corner kick, scoring to put Benin in the lead.
Coach Finidi attempted to turn the tide by substituting Victor Boniface and Paul Onuachu for the underperforming Terem Moffi and Alex Iwobi. Miscommunication plagued the Eagles, notably between Ademola Lookman and Onuachu from a Chukwueze cross in the 54th minute. Further substitutions saw Ibrahim Olawoyin and Ismaila Sodiq make their debuts, replacing Samuel Chukwueze and the injured Bright Osaka-Samuel.
Despite a chaotic scramble in Benin’s box in the 66th minute and a crucial save by Stanley Nwabali in the 69th minute, the Eagles struggled to find the net. Boniface and Onuachu’s collision in the 80th minute epitomized their desperation. A promising cross from Olawoyin was deflected for a corner, and Lookman missed a critical opportunity in the final minute.
Referee Pierre Ghislain Atcho ended the match after five minutes of stoppage time, leaving Benin atop Group C with seven points. Nigeria will next face Rwanda in Kigali and host Zimbabwe in March 2025.
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