Benin 2-1 Nigeria: How terrible were the Super Eagles in Finidi George's second match?

Finidi George has won just one of three matches as Super Eagles manager. (Photo Credit: PoojaMedia/X)

FOOTBALL Benin 2-1 Nigeria: How terrible were the Super Eagles in Finidi George's second match?

Benin 2-1 Nigeria: How terrible were the Super Eagles in Finidi George's second match?

Izuchukwu Akawor • Izuchukwu Akawor • 05:28 - 12.06.2024

Finidi George has failed to win any of his two competitive matches as Super Eagles manager.

Finidi George's troubled tenure as Nigeria boss took another turn for the worse as the Super Eagles slumped to a shock 2-1 defeat against Benin Republic, managed by former head coach Gernot Rohr.

Pulse Sports Nigeria reports that the host side Benin stunned their more illustrious visitors after a comeback victory to revive their World Cup dreams.

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Stats Don't Lie for Struggling Finidi and Super Eagles

Four games into World Cup qualifying and the three-time African champions are yet to taste victory, with the damning statistics laying bare their difficulties against the Cheetahs.

Despite dominating possession at 53%, the Super Eagles mustered just a single shot on target compared to Benin's four - failing to register an effort between the posts in the entire second half.

A distraught Ademola Lookman || Image credit: Imago
A distraught Ademola Lookman was caged for 180 minutes. || Image credit: Imago A distraught Ademola Lookman || Image credit: Imago

That shot was the remarkable opener by Belgium-based defensive midfielder Raphael Onyedika to give the Super Eagles hope in the first half. 

Wastefulness and Indiscipline

Not only were Nigeria’s Eagles profligate in front of goal, with just seven shots attempted to Benin's six, but they also lacked discipline. 

Super Eagles boss Finidi George failed to deliver against South Africa and Benin republic.
Super Eagles boss Finidi George failed to deliver against South Africa and Benin republic.

Finidi’s men conceded 10 free-kicks in the second half alone to the Cheetahs who looked like the real professionals in Cote d’Ivoire.

Onyedika's wonder strike had given Finidi's men the lead, but their defensive vulnerabilities were ruthlessly exposed as Rohr's side hit back to seal a memorable victory.

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With just three points from a possible 12 in Group C, the road to the 2026 World Cup is looking increasingly rocky for the struggling Super Eagles as the pressure mounts on the under-fire Finidi.

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