Nigeria’s Super Eagles suffered more setback in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers after going down 2-1 to Benin Republic on matchday 4 in Abidjan on Monday.
Despite taking the lead through Raphael Onyedika, the Beninoise fought back to take a 2-1 lead into the break.
The Eagles have now failed to win any of their four games, recording three draws and one defeat.
The defeat leave the team in fifth place on three points while Benin go top in Group C on seven points.
After the draw against South Africa, head coach Finidi George made some changes with Onyedika, Terem Moffi and Samuel Chukwueze all starting.
The Eagles started the game on the front foot when in the 12th minute Onyedika sent a pass to Bright Osayi-Samuel whose shot went off target.
Two minutes later Ademola Lookman had a chance to open the scoring but was intercepted.
In the 26th minute Benin Republic almost profited from a corner but the offside flag went up.
The Beninoise went close to breaking the deadlock but the Eagles had Stanley Nwabali to thank as he pulled off a big save.
The Eagles eventually took the lead on 28 minutes through Onyedika who received a pass from Samuel Chukwueze on the edge of the box and volleyed into the top corner.
Benin Republic equalized on 37 minutes through Jodel Doussou following a defensive error in the Eagles backline.
In three minutes of first half added time Benin Republic went 2-1 ahead as he slotted home from a corner unmarked.
Five minutes into the second half the Eagles made two changes with Victor Boniface and Paul Onuachu replacing Alex Iwobi and Terem Moffi.
On 55 minutes Lookman wasted a golden opportunity as he headed a cross from Chukwueze off target with the keeper to beat.
In the 62nd minute Benin Republic went close again from a throw in but Nwabali held the ball calmly.
On 65 minutes Calvin Bassey went in a dangerous cross but the ball was cleared away.
With 20 minutes left Benin went on the counter but Nwabali rushed off his area to prevent the danger.
Few minutes later Paul Onuachu and Victor Boniface went for a floated long pass but the Beninoise cleared their lines.
The Eagles kept pouring forward for the equalizer but Benin defence remained resolute.
Meanwhile, the Eagles will be back in action in the qualifying campaign when they will travel away on matchday five to face Rwanda in March 2025.
Then on matchday six they will entertain Zimbabwe also in March 2025.