In a shocking turn of events during Monday’s 2026 World Cup qualifier, Benin Republic triumphed over Nigeria with a 2-1 victory at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny in Abidjan, MySportDab Reports.
This marks Benin’s first-ever victory against the Super Eagles, a historic achievement for the Cheetahs under the guidance of head coach Gernot Rohr.
Nigeria started the match on the front foot, taking the lead in the 27th minute through Raphael Onyedika’s debut goal for his country. The midfielder capitalized on a precise setup from Samuel Chukwueze, sending a powerful shot into the left corner of the net. Despite this promising start, Nigeria’s defensive frailties soon surfaced.
Benin, undeterred by falling behind, showed remarkable resilience. They equalized in the 37th minute when Jodel Dossou seized upon Nigeria’s defensive disarray, scoring a well-taken goal.
Just before halftime, Benin capitalized on another lapse in Nigeria’s defense. A poorly defended corner found its way to Steve Mounie, who blasted the ball home to put Benin ahead 2-1.
Reflecting on the match, Benin’s coach Gernot Rohr, who managed the Super Eagles from 2016 to 2021, attributed Nigeria’s downfall to a lack of concentration and mental fortitude. “We had the right organization, Nigeria scored the first goal, and perhaps they believed it was already done. But the reaction, the desire of my team was so strong that they could come back to win the match,” Rohr explained.
Rohr’s criticism underscores a broader issue for Nigeria: the tendency to lose focus and discipline after taking the lead. This complacency allowed Benin to mount a comeback and secure a historic victory.
The loss leaves Nigeria’s World Cup qualification hopes in jeopardy, as they now sit precariously in Group C, needing to rectify their defensive vulnerabilities and mental approach to stay in contention.
For Benin, this victory is a significant milestone and a testament to their tenacity and tactical discipline under Rohr’s leadership. As they look ahead, both teams will need to address their weaknesses to continue their pursuit of a place in the 2026 World Cup.
