Nigeria lost 2-1 to Benin Republic on Monday, their first setback in the 2026 World Cup qualification game.

Before today, the Super Eagles had drawn their first three games, 1-1.

What three lessons can we draw from the stunning outcome in Abidjan?

The actual risk of missing the 2026 World Cup

Nigeria was not able to attend the Qatar 2022 World Cup. Furthermore, based on all signs, it appears that they will most likely miss the upcoming edition, which the USA, Canada, and Mexico will co-host. After four games, the Super Eagles are in fifth place in Group C; thus far, other teams have outperformed them.

Finidi not competent

Last month, there was much controversy around Finidi George’s appointment. Furthermore, it seems that a few of the critiques are valid. The former Enyimba manager has not shown that he is a smart strategist; among his unusual decisions was to bench Victor Boniface for the two games. Under duress, Finidi has also made snap decisions while making substitutions. Is it possible that Emmanuel Amuneke would have made a wiser decision?

Rohr achieves his revenge.

Gernot Rohr must have had deep satisfaction in Abidjan following the blow of the full-time whistle. After five years as the Super Eagles’ manager, the German strategist was fired in 2021. His most recent African squad also humiliated his former employers on Monday, reducing their prospects of participating in the next World Cup.

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