The Super Eagles of Nigeria suffered a shocking 2-1 defeat to Benin Republic in the ongoing 2026 World Cup qualifiers, leaving fans and pundits questioning the team’s ability to turn things around. The loss has significant implications for Nigeria’s World Cup aspirations, as they now have just three points from a possible 12 in the second qualifying window.
The Super Eagles, who appeared lackluster throughout the game, failed to mount any serious threats in the second half, allowing Benin to hold on for their first victory over Nigeria at this level. The team’s dismal display has left fans and pundits questioning their character and belief.
Head coach Finidi George has called on the players to show more commitment and fight back, but the team’s insipid display has left many wondering if they have what it takes to qualify for the World Cup.The loss has also raised questions about George’s tactics and team selection.
The coach made several changes to his starting line-up, including moving Bright Osayi-Samuel from right-back to left-back and Benjamin Tanimu from center-back to right-back. However, these changes did not yield the desired results, with the team conceding three goals in the two games.
The absence of key defensive players, including William Troost-Ekong, Kenneth Omeruo, Zaidu Sanusi, Jamilu Collins, and Bruno Onyemaechi, forced George to deploy players in unfamiliar positions. The experiment did not bear fruit, and only when Osayi-Samuel was injured did George revert to a more familiar setup.
The Super Eagles’ lackluster performance has left fans and pundits questioning the team’s future under George. The coach has come under scathing criticisms on social media, with many calling for his sacking. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has also been criticized for not providing the necessary support to the team.
The loss has significant implications for Nigeria’s World Cup aspirations. The team now has a daunting task to make up for their underwhelming performances and secure a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The team’s dismal display has left fans and pundits wondering if they have what it takes to qualify for the World Cup.
The Super Eagles’ disappointing performance against Benin has left fans and pundits questioning the team’s ability to turn things around. The loss has significant implications for Nigeria’s World Cup aspirations, and the team’s future under George remains uncertain.
