The Super Eagles of Nigeria are in danger of missing a second consecutive FIFA World Cup engagement following their humiliating 2-1 defeat to Benin Republic in Cote d’Ivoire on Monday.

The Finidi George-led team needed to defeat their hosts in Cote d'Ivoire to maintain hopes of competing at the joint U.S.A., Canada, and Mexico 2026 World Cup after a miserable streak of 1-1 draws against Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, respectively, in their first three 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

However, the Nigerian national team stumbled against the Benin Republic's Cheetahs.

Despite starting the match on an encouraging note, owing to Raphael Onyedika’s goal in the 27th minute of the first half, Finidi George’s men went into the break behind, as Jodel Dossou and Steve Mounie scored respectively before the end of the first half to give the Gernot Rohr-led Beninese side the lead.

Benin Republic now leads Group C with seven points, while Nigeria remains fifth with three.