The Digest:
Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup hopes suffered a major setback as Benin Republic, coached by former Super Eagles manager Gernot Rohr, hammered Lesotho 4-0 to leapfrog Nigeria into second place in Group C. The result leaves Nigeria’s qualification fate hanging by a thread, dependent on other results and flawless final matches.
Key Points:
- Benin’s dominant win moves them to 14 points, pushing Nigeria (11 points) to third
- Former Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr masterminded Benin’s strategic victory
- Nigeria must win both remaining games (vs Rwanda and Benin) and hope for favorable results
- Rohr noted Benin’s balance and confidence, highlighting their win over Nigeria earlier in qualifying
- Missing the 2026 World Cup would mark Nigeria’s first consecutive absence since 1994
- Super Eagles’ draw against South Africa earlier Tuesday compounded the crisis
- Nigeria’s football reputation faces further decline amid managerial and systemic struggles
Sources: Soccernet, FIFA WC Qualifiers
