The Super Eagles find themselves in a precarious position in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers following a 2-1 defeat to the Gernot Rohr-led Cheetahs of Benin Republic on Monday evening in Abidjan.

For the second consecutive match, the Super Eagles entered the second half trailing. Despite a sluggish start, they took the lead with Raphael Onyedika’s first international goal. However, a defensive error by Calvin Bassey allowed Jodel Dossou to equalize for Benin.

In stoppage time of the first half, Brest forward Steve Mounie capitalized on a defensive lapse to score, giving Benin the lead.

Coach Finidi introduced Victor Boniface and Paul Onuachu for the underperforming Terem Moffi and Alex Iwobi. Miscommunication between Ademola Lookman and the better-positioned Onuachu from a Chukwueze cross in the 54th minute squandered a scoring opportunity. Further changes saw Ibrahim Olawoyin make his debut, replacing Samuel Chukwueze, while Ismaila Sodiq came on for the injured Bright Osaka-Samuel.

A frantic moment in the 66th minute saw Benin clear their lines after a scramble in the box. Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali had to rush off his line in the 69th minute to avert a scoring threat. In the 80th minute, Boniface and Onuachu collided in their desperate attempt to find an equalizer.

Olawoyin's excellent delivery led to Lookman’s header being deflected for a corner kick. On the 90-minute mark, Lookman had another chance but failed to either shoot or pass to Onuachu, resulting in another corner.

The final whistle was blown after five minutes of added time, with the Eagles only securing three points from three draws in their first four matches. Benin, on the other hand, leads Group C with seven points. The Super Eagles will next face Rwanda in Kigali and host Zimbabwe in March 2025.