Benin Republic defeated the Super Eagles for the first time on Monday with a 2-1 victory, jeopardizing Nigeria’s World Cup qualification hopes.
Nigeria has only three points from four World Cup qualification games, putting them at risk of missing the next tournament.
The Super Eagles needed a win after drawing with South Africa a few days earlier.
Although Nigeria started the game well, they had to wait 25 minutes before Raphael Onyedika of Club Brugge gave them the lead with a well-placed shot inside the box.
However, the Cheetahs of Benin, coached by former Nigerian manager Gernot Rohr, equalized in the 37th minute through Jodei Dossou after a defensive error by the Super Eagles.
Benin further compounded Nigeria’s woes just before halftime with a goal from Steve Mounie.
In the second half, Nigeria made several changes in an effort to find an equalizer, but the Cheetahs defended resolutely to secure one of their biggest wins.
This result leaves Nigeria in fifth place in Group C, with their 2026 World Cup qualification prospects in serious jeopardy.