The Nigerian Super Eagles faced a shocking 2-1 defeat to the Benin Republic in a FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny in Abidjan on Monday. Raphael Onyedika scored the opening goal for Nigeria in the 28th minute, but the Benin Republic struck back with two goals before halftime to secure a historic victory over their West African neighbors.
This loss marks a significant setback for Nigeria's World Cup hopes, and Coach Finidi George's tactics have come under scrutiny. The Super Eagles' performance was deemed their worst in 47 years, with the team conceding two goals in a match against Benin for the first time in 17 games.
Coach Finidi George's decision to deploy players in unnatural positions was questioned, particularly the use of Bright Osayi-Samuel as a left-back, Benjamin Tanimu as a right-back, and Calvin Bassey as a centre-back. This experiment failed against South Africa last week and again against Benin.
Calvin Bassey, an excellent left-back, was criticized for his performance as a centre-back, a position he is not suited for. The experiment of converting him to a centre-back has failed at Rangers and Ajax, and it was evident in Nigeria's performance.
Nigeria's record against Benin now stands at 12 wins, two draws, and one loss, with the Super Eagles suffering their worst run in the World Cup qualifying campaign. They have three points from four matches and trail Benin Republic, who top Group C, by four points.
The Super Eagles' chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup appear bleak, and Coach Finidi George faces intense pressure to turn things around. The team's next match against Zimbabwe will be crucial in determining their fate in the qualifying campaign.
In a post-match interview, former Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr, who led Benin to victory, expressed his delight at the outcome, stating that his team was more determined and better prepared. Rohr's success against Nigeria highlights the mistake made by the Nigerian Football Federation in firing him as head coach.
The Super Eagles' disappointing performance has sparked outrage among Nigerian football fans, who are calling for Coach Finidi George's resignation and a complete overhaul of the team. The Nigerian Football Federation faces intense scrutiny for their decisions, which have led to the team's poor performance.
Nigeria's 2-1 loss to Benin Republic is a significant setback for the Super Eagles' World Cup hopes. Coach Finidi George's tactics and player selection have come under fire, and the team's chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup appear slim. The Nigerian Football Federation must take responsibility for their mistakes and make necessary changes to restore the team's dignity and performance.
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