SNOOP COMMUNICATIONS

 

World Cup Qualifiers:

 Pressure Mounts on Finidi, As Rohr Leads Benin To Beat Nigeria

 

Nigeria's 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifying campaign suffered another setback as they lost to Benin, while Jordan Ayew marked his 100th cap with a hat-trick to inspire a 4-3 Ghana victory over Central African Republic.

The Super Eagles have just three points from four matches in Group C after Benin came from behind to win 2-1, with coach Gernot Rohr inflicting defeat on his former employers.

Nigeria had drawn their first three games in Group C, which has already provided several surprise results and left minnows Lesotho top after three games.

Raphael Onyedika’s composed 27th-minute strike put the Super Eagles ahead in their away game against Benin in neutral Ivory Coast, but the three-time continental champions were behind before the break.

First Jodel Dossou caught Calvin Bassey napping and curled across goal to equalise, and then ex-Huddersfield striker Steve Mounie smashed in at the back post after Nigeria failed to deal with a corner from the right.

Nigeria's best chance to level came when an unmarked Ademola Lookman headed wide, with striker Paul Onuachu arguably better placed to meet the cross.

Rohr, who had been discarded by Nigeria before the delayed 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, was carried on to the pitch by substitutes as Benin celebrated just their second-ever win over their West African neighbours.

Benin climb to the top of Group C on seven points while Nigeria are fifth, increasing the pressure on Finidi George – who was only appointed by the Super Eagles on a permanent deal in April.

Since taking over the reign as head coach, the former Ajax Amsterdam winger is yet to lead Nigeria to victory in four consecutive 2026 World Cup qualifying matches. Nigeria drew the three matches of the qualifier against Lesotho, Zimbabwe and South Africa before losing to Benin Republic.

Indeed, the defeat has drawn flaks from football-loving Nigerians many of whom have called for total overhauling of the team and replacement of the coach as the team lack cohesion and tactical discipline to qualify for the mundial in 2028.