Nigeria's Super Eagles suffered a setback in their bid to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, losing 2-1 to Benin Republic in a shocking defeat, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
Head coach Finidi George attributed the loss to poor defending and a lack of concentration.
The former African champions remain in fifth place in Group C with just three points from four games, while Benin Republic tops the standings with seven points.
George acknowledged that his team struggled defensively, particularly on set pieces.
"We didn't defend well against the long kick from the goalkeeper, and they scored," he said in a post-match interview.
“We had control of the game, but we didn't take our chances and didn't defend well. That's costly in a World Cup qualifier."
Despite a strong first half, Nigeria's lapses in defense proved decisive. George praised his team's second-half performance, but lamented the conceded goals.
“First half was good but for the goals (we conceded), while in the second half we pushed and defended well.”
The Super Eagles face an uphill battle to qualify for the World Cup, with a tough road ahead. George's men will need to regroup and refocus to revive their campaign.
By Olujimi Dare Ogun