The Nigerian Super Eagles have expressed their devastation and unhappiness after suffering a damaging 2-1 away defeat to Benin in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign on Monday.
The three-time World Cup qualifiers fell behind in Group C after squandering a lead in Cotonou, leaving their hopes of reaching the finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico hanging by a thread.
Nigeria took the lead through Onyedike’s strike before Benin equalized thanks to Jodel Harold Oluwafemi Dossou’s goal. However, Mounni’s second-half winner sealed a 2-1 comeback victory for the hosts, who are coached by José Vítor dos Santos Peseiro – the former Nigerian manager who led the Super Eagles to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final.
The defeat leaves Nigeria in fifth place in Group C with just 3 points from a possible 12, following previous draws against Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. With only the group winners guaranteed a place at the 2026 World Cup, the path to qualification looks increasingly difficult.
Reacting to the setback, the Nigerian team released an official statement expressing their anguish while thanking their fans and promising to fight until the end to secure an improbable qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“We are back in the country and we are not happy about the way the two games panned out. We have had talks among ourselves and have resolved to fight hard till the end to ensure we do the impossible which is qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. We don’t take your support for granted, we thank you immensely. #SoarSuperEagles”
The situation puts pressure on new coach Finidi George who took over from Augustine Eguavoen after the AFCON disappointment.
Their upcoming away clash against Benin Republic in Abidjan could prove crucial in determining if their World Cup dream remains viable heading into the final rounds of qualifying.
Despite the uphill battle, the defiant statement shows the Super Eagles are determined to defy the odds and secure an improbable qualification for the 2026 finals after this damaging loss in Benin.
