Ex Nigeria Star Explains How Super Eagles Lost to Gernot Rohr’s Benin Republic

• Nigeria lost 2-1 to Benin Republic in their latest 2026 World Cup qualifier, leaving them without a win in the qualifying campaign
• The Super Eagles went into the match after a 1-1 draw with South Africa and were looking to beat their ex- coach, Gernot Rohr
• Former Nigeria international, Waidi Akanni, has said the West African giants lost the match in the first half after going ahead

Benin defeated Nigeria in their 2026 World Cup qualifier in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, on June 10.

Gernot Rohr's Benin secured a 2-1 victory to go top of Group C with seven points, while Nigeria remained fifth with three points from four matches.

Former Super Eagles international, Waidi Akanni, as shared his thoughts about how they were beaten by the Cheetahs.

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The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations finalists took the lead, but by the time the referee blew the whistle for half-time, they were 2-1 down. The score remained the same until full-time.

Nigeria coach, Finidi George, and players were heavily criticised on social media, with fans questioning their effort against a team coached by their former coach.

Akanni thinks the Super Eagles lost the game by not building on their 1-0 lead in the 27th minute.

"The starting line-up against Benin was better than the one against South Africa. It’s just unfortunate that after scoring the first goal, the team failed to pile more pressure on the Benin defence," he said via Complete Sports.

"Conceding two goals in the space of 10 minutes is something that should have been avoided by the players."

The three-time AFCON champions are now winless in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and have to wait until March for their next qualifier match against Rwanda.

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Finidi reacts to Benin defeat

Sports Brief also previously reported on new Super Eagles coach, Finidi reacting to Nigeria's Benin defeat in Abidjan on Monday.

He mentioned players' commitment and expressed the desire to keep battling despite having three points in their first four games.

Ex-Nigeria coach optimistic after Benin defeat

Sports Brief also reported on former Nigeria coach, Adegboye Onigbinde, weighing in on the Super Eagles' 2026 World Cup chances.

He is confident Nigeria can still qualify for the biggest football event with six matches left in the qualifiers, despite no wins at this stage.