Three Key Takeaways From Nigeria’s Shock 2-1 Loss To Benin

Nigeria suffered their first defeat in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, falling 2-1 to Benin Republic on Monday.

Prior to this match, the Super Eagles had drawn their initial three fixtures, each ending in a 1-1 scoreline.

Here are three key lessons from this surprising outcome in Abidjan.

Real danger of not playing at 2026 World Cup

Nigeria failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. All signs now point to a likely repeat for the next tournament, set to be co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico. The Super Eagles are currently fifth in Group C after four matches, with other teams outperforming them.

Finidi not good enough

Finidi George’s appointment last month sparked considerable controversy, and some of the criticisms now seem warranted. The former Enyimba coach has struggled to demonstrate tactical acumen, making puzzling decisions such as dropping Victor Boniface for both matches. Additionally, Finidi has resorted to impulsive substitutions under pressure, raising questions about whether Emmanuel Amuneke would have been a better choice.

Rohr gets his revenge

Gernot Rohr must have experienced a sense of vindication after the final whistle in Abidjan. The German coach, who was dismissed in 2021 after a five-year tenure with the Super Eagles, saw his current African team Benin Republic, decisively defeat his former side, Nigeria on Monday, significantly harming their prospects of qualifying for the next World Cup.

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