Nigeria’s FIFA World Cup-qualifying hopes took a heavy blow with a 2-1 defeat by Benin on Monday, but Ghana and Algeria salvaged wins while Egypt drew after all three were behind at halftime. Monday’s result leaves Nigeria 5th in the Group C qualification lot for the 2026 World Cup.
Nigeria lost away to Benin, who had to stage the match in Abidjan in Ivory Coast because their stadium in Cotonou was declared unfit for use in international games.
Nigeria led when Raphael Onyedika netted in the 27th minute, hesitating at first before squeezing the ball home, but Benin bounced back with goals by Jodel Dossou and Steve Mounié.
The Super Eagles, who were favourites in Group C, have not won any of their opening four group matches and sit on three points while Benin leads with seven.
