The Super Eagles of Nigeria, on Monday, were defeated 2-1 by Benin Republic in the fourth round of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers.
In the 29th minute, Raphael Onyedika’s effort to the right corner of the post opened the score for Nigeria.
However, Jodel Dossou of Benin tied the score with a well-placed shot after the Super Eagles made a defensive blunder.
Benin took the lead shortly before halftime thanks to a right-footed goal by Steve Mounie from a corner.
The Super Eagles lost the second half despite the introduction of Victor Boniface, Paul Onuachu, and Ibrahim Olawoyin, among others. Nigeria was unable to equalise.
Head coach Finidi George, named Terem Moffi and Ademola Lookman to spearhead the attack, while Boniface was placed on the bench.
The Super Eagles took to the field goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali. In defence were Bassey, Tanimu, Ajayi and Osayi-Samuel. Meanwhile, Ndidi, Onyeka, Iwobi started in midfield. Leading the attack were Chukwueze, Lookman and Moffi.
The substitutes include; Iheanacho, Boniface, Onuachu, Abdullahi, Dele-Bashiru, Onyeka Awaziem, Olawoyin, Igboke, Ismaila, Okoye (GK) and Ojo (GK).
Meanwhile, the result of this match means that Nigeria is now placed fifth, while the Benin Republic moves up to first place in the six-team table.
Nigeria, in four matches, has drawn three and lost one.
Last Friday, Pressure mounted on the Super Eagles after the team played a 1-1 draw against Bafana Bafana of South Africa in the third round of the 2026 World Cup qualifier.
Themba Zwane of South Africa opened the scoresheet in the 29th minute of the match played at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. Equalising after a superb turn, Nigeria’s Fisayo Dele-Bashiru slotted in a low shot to the edge of the post in the 46th minute. The match ended in a stalemate.
Super Eagles recite ‘Arise, O Compatriot’, old national anthem
The Super Eagles recited the ‘Arise, O Compatriot’ anthem before the kick-off, as opposed to the newly signed ‘Nigeria, We Hail Thee’.
The players sang the now-old anthem’ at the beginning of the match.
President Bola Tinubu signed the National Anthem Bill 2024 into law on May 29.
The bill reinstated the old anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.”
This was revealed by Godswill Akpabio, the Senate President, during the joint plenary that Tinubu attended.
The final assent to the passage of the bill will bring about a shift from the now-recognised “Arise, O Compatriots.” Both the Senate and the House of Representatives swiftly cleared the bill.
