)
The Super Eagles of Nigeria suffered their first defeat in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Benin Republic.
Nigeria looked dominant in the first 20 minutes of the game and took the lead with a sublime finish from Frank Onyedika.
However, they crumbled in the remaining 25 minutes of the first half allowing Benin to get an equaliser and taking the lead in injury time.
We evaluate each player based on how well they impress, taking into account the team's overall performance.
Player Rating
Stanley Nwabili - 6
Stanley Nwabili looked shaky in goal and made some unnecessary decisions that could hurt the team.
He also went on to concede two goals in the first half, although the goals conceded were not his fault.
Benjamin Tanimu - 6
Benjamin Tanimu was ineffective all through the first half and most times failed to track his marker on the flank.
The defender did not look comfortable playing as a right back and failed to impose any threat in attack.
)
19:05 - 10.06.2024
Benin vs Nigeria: Gernot Rohr proves a point, Finidi George in SOUP and 3 other things we learnt
Finidi George and Nigeria's Super Eagles remain without a win in the FIFA WCQ after suffering a massive defeat to Benin.
)
18:59 - 10.06.2024
Finidi George fails Nigeria as Benin Republic trump Super Eagles
Nigeria risk missing out on consecutive World Cups for the first time since their first outing in 1994 after suffering a shock defeat to the Benin Republic.
Bright Osayi-Samuel - 6
Bright Osayi-Samuel had a better first half than the remaining defenders and supported Ademola Lookman on the left wing.
Despite conceding two goals in the first half, he was the only player in the defence that looked more dangerous in attack.
Semi Ajayi - 6
Semi Ajayi was not at his best in the game and was nervous at the back. His failure to cover up led to the equaliser.
He also failed to track his man in the box for the second goal, which was conceded from a corner kick.
Cavin Bassey - 6
Calvin Bassey partnered with Semi Ajayi in the Super Eagles' defence but looked shaky in the first half of the game.
The physical defender was also at fault for the Benin Republic's equaliser after failing to get the ball.
Raphael Onyedika - 7
Raphael Onyedika was paired in the midfield alongside Iwobi, and Ndidi and had an excellent first half.
He was taking control of the midfield and winning duels for his team. He crowned his effort by putting the Super Eagles in the lead.
)
Alex Iwobi - 6
Alex Iwobi had a good first half where he made sure that the team had more control of the ball in midfield.
The Fulham star did an excellent job alongside Onyedika before being substituted in the second half for Boniface.
Wilfred Ndidi - 6
Wilfred Ndidi was average against Benin Republic and did not do much to cover for the defence in the first half.
Samuel Chukwueze - 7
Samuel Chukwueze started the game brightly and gave the Benin Republic defenders a hard time.
The forward made an excellent run on the right-hand side and beat his man easily to set up Onyedika, who scored the opening goal for the Super Eagles.
)
Ademola Lookman - 6
Ademola Lookman failed to impose himself in the game and struggled to create any dangerous attack for the Super Eagles.
Terem Moffi - 5
Terem Moffi was nowhere to be found in the first half and hardly posed a threat to the defence of the Benin Republic.
Substitutions
Victor Okoh Boniface - 5
Victor Okoh Boniface was brought in to replace Terem Moffi in the 55th minute but did not cause any havoc to the Benin defence.
Paul Onuachu - 5
Paul Onuachu was brought in the 55th minute to replace Alex Iwobi but failed to provide any aerial threat for the Super Eagles.
Ismaila Sodiq - 5
Ismaila Sodiq came in to replace Bright Osayi but did little to help the team in attack.
Ibrahim Olawoyin -5
Ibrahim Olawoyin replaced Samuel Chukueze in the 60th minute but his involvement was minimal.
Alhassan Yusuf - 5
Alhassan Yusuf replaced Wilfred Ndidi late in the second half but his substitution did not have any effect on the Super Eagles attack.
Unused Substitute
- Olorunleke Ojo
- Maduka Okoye
- Chidozie Awaziem
- Kenneth Igboke
- Fisayo Dele-Bashiru
- Frank Onyeka
- Kelechi Iheanacho
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)