Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup hopes took a huge blow after game four 2-1 defeat to Benin Republic in Abidjan on Monday, June 10, 2024.

The Super Eagles went into the encounter with three draws from three games and were looking to snatch their first win in the group.

After taking the lead through Raphael Onyedika in the 38th minute the charge looked to be on, but Benin Republic who knew that a win would take them to the top of the group soon equalised.

Dossou who had been showing promise, found the back of the net in the 37th minute, having capitalised from a defensive mishap and Mounie gave the Cheetahs the lead just at the stroke of halftime, pouncing on a loose ball.

In the second half, nothing changed as regards the score line with all attempts from Nigeria to draw level failing in what was another abysmal display in the final third.

The inclusion of Victor Boniface and Paul Onauchu could not make the needed difference, as the Super Eagles looked nothing close to super, going winless in four games.

The result means Nigeria remain fifth on the log but is now four points away from the top, which could become five if Lesotho beats Rwanda. They have now amassed three points from a possible 12, while the Benin Republic rockets to the top of the group.

Nigeria is on the brink of missing out on consecutive World Cups for the first time since their first outing in 1994.