The Cheetahs of Benin Republic have pulled off a major shock by defeating Nigeria’s Super Eagles 2-1 in a World Cup qualifier in Abidjan on Monday.
The Nigerians drew their earlier three games in the group and remain fifth in the six-team group, four points behind group leaders Benin, with six games still left to play.
The Super Eagles came into the game needing a win after drawing South Africa some days back.
While the game started on a good note for the Nigerians, they had to wait 25 minutes before taking the lead. Raphael Onyedika of Club Brugge gave the Super Eagles the advantage when he slotted in cooly just inside the box.
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But unfazed, the Cheetahs of Benin coached by a former Nigerian gaffer Gernot Rohr levelled proceedings in the 37th minute from Jodei Dossou after a defensive error from the Super Eagles.
They compounded Nigeria’s misery just before the halftime whistle via Steve Mounie.
On the resumption of the second half, Nigeria rang some changes in a push to find the leveller. However, the Cheetahs defended stoutly to record one of their biggest wins in football.
Monday’s result leaves Nigeria 5th in the Group C qualification lot for the 2026 World Cup.
