Gifted Markson
In a surprising turn of events, Benin’s national team triumphed over Nigeria’s Super Eagles with a 2-1 victory in their 2026 World Cup qualifier, propelling them to the top of their group.
The match began with Nigeria in control, showcasing their dominance in the early stages. Rafael Onyedika gave the Super Eagles an early lead with a brilliant goal in the 27th minute, much to the delight of their supporters.
However, Nigeria’s joy was short-lived as Benin’s Jodel Dossou equalized just ten minutes later, capitalizing on a defensive lapse to bring the game level at 1-1.
Buoyed by the equalizer, Benin’s confidence surged, and they began to assert their dominance.
Steve Mounié further dampened Nigeria’s spirits by scoring a decisive goal just before halftime, giving Benin a 2-1 lead heading into the break.
The home crowd erupted in celebration, sensing a significant upset in the making.
The second half saw the Super Eagles struggle to regain their footing.
Despite their best efforts, they were unable to break through Benin’s resolute defense. As the final whistle blew, Nigerian fans were left disheartened by their team’s inability to score in the second half.
This loss has put Nigeria in a precarious position regarding their qualification hopes, while Benin’s victory has firmly placed them at the top of the group, showcasing their strength and determination on the road to the 2026 World Cup.