)
Finidi George and Nigeria's Super Eagles remain without a win in the FIFA WCQ after suffering a massive defeat to Benin.
Nigeria's hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup suffered a massive setback as they were stunned 2-1 by Benin in their crucial qualifier in Abidjan.
After taking an early lead through debutant Raphael Onyedika, the Super Eagles capitulated against the well-drilled Cheetahs to leave their campaign in disarray.
![[WATCH]: Benin vs Nigeria: Shock as old national anthem played before kick off](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/10062024/efac7570-71b6-4120-94db-4d7434b66d37.jpg?operations=fit(:350))
17:45 - 10.06.2024
[WATCH]: Benin vs Nigeria: Shock as old national anthem played before kick off
The Super Eagles players were spotted listening to the old national anthem, 'Arise O’compatriots,' instead of the newly introduced 'Nigeria we hail thee,' before the World Cup qualifier against Benin.
*PAY ATTENTION*: Join Pulse Sports Nigeria Whatsapp Channel Channel link
Here are five key lessons from the damaging defeat:
1. Raphael Onyedika mimics Boniface
On a disappointing night for Nigeria, club Brugge defensive midfielder Raphael Onyedika was one bright spark.
The midfielder marked his first Super Eagles start under Finidi George with a fantastic opening goal, replicating Victor Boniface's trademark celebration.
)
He repaid Finidi George's faith after impressing as a substitute in the draw against South Africa.
2. Defensive Woes Could Derail World Cup Dream
Nigeria's hopes were undone by poor defending from set-pieces from the Super Eagles players.
)
From Calvin Bassey's reckless clearance for Benin's equaliser to Wilfred Ndidi and Onyedika's mix-up for the winner, it was an error-strewn performance at the back.
Benin Republic’s impressive Cheetahs had previously threatened from deadball situations that Nigeria got away with but the Eagles failed to heed the warning signs.
)
3. Gernot Rohr Has the Last Laugh
Former Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr, now managing Benin, masterminded the game plan that stunned his old employers
The Franco-German tactician proved a point about his quality after his five-year Nigeria tenure ended acrimoniously.
)
He showed the Super Eagles why he remains the last man to qualify the team for the World Cup with his tactical masterclass in Ivory Coast.
4. Finidi Under Massive Pressure Already
With just one point from his first two competitive games, Finidi George is already feeling the heat.
)
Nigeria's 2026 World Cup dream is hanging by a thread, piling immense pressure on the rookie manager after this damaging defeat.
Given the number of critics he had after getting the job, the former Enyimba man has not helped his case with some of his decisions and the results.
5. Top Striker Woes Continue
Despite Victor Boniface's prolific form, Finidi again opted to leave the Bayer Leverkusen hitman on the bench as the Super Eagles struggled to test Benin’s goalkeeper.
)
His decision to start Terem Moffi backfired as Nigeria's struggles with an out-and-out striker continued to haunt them.
Boniface came on later on but despite showing much promise compared to Moffi, the 23-year-old was unable to help save Nigeria’s blushes.
Related content
)
16:12 - 10.06.2024
Benin vs Nigeria: Another tactical move as Super Eagles boss Finidi George snubs Victor Boniface again
Bayer Leverkusen star Victor Boniface has been left on the bench for the Super Eagles game against Benin by Nigeria coach Finidi George.
)
14:44 - 10.06.2024
Super Eagles 2013 AFCON winner joins English side
Former Super Eagles defender joined the 13th club of his career.
)
14:33 - 10.06.2024
Serie A side reach agreement to sign Super Eagles hero against South Africa
Rome-based club Lazio have reportedly reached an agreement in principle to sign a Super Eagles midfielder.
)
14:21 - 10.06.2024
It's not my formation — Finidi defends Iheanacho's performance against South Africa
Super Eagles coach Finidi George defended his deployment of Kelechi Iheanacho during the draw against South Africa.
)
11:20 - 10.06.2024
Benin vs Nigeria: Overlooked 21-goal star, new no.10 and 3 other Super Eagles players to watch in must-win WCQ vs Cheetahs
Nigeria's Super Eagles need a win against Benin Republic in the WCQ and these players could prove decisive.
)
10:22 - 10.06.2024
Benin vs Nigeria: No More Heartbreak - Finidi George's Super Eagles must deliver vs Cheetahs
Nigeria's coach Finidi George and his Super Eagles team are condemned to beat the Cheetahs of Benin Republic later today in the 2026 FIFA WCQ.
)
09:51 - 10.06.2024
Benin vs Nigeria and other top football matches today
Benin vs Nigeria is the top of what is an action-packed day for football matches across the world.
)
18:08 - 09.06.2024
Osimhen flaunts Diamond jewelries worth over ₦61 million as Saudi and Chelsea fans continue to beg for transfer
The highest-paid Super Eagles star has never hidden his love for expensive blings.
)
14:09 - 09.06.2024
Super Eagles: 5 changes Finidi George needs to make against Gernot Rohr's Benin
With Nigeria facing a pivotal World Cup qualifying match against their erstwhile boss, the incumbent Super Eagles trainer could make these alterations after Friday’s 1-1 draw with South Africa.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)