The Super Eagles’ journey to the 2026 Qatar World Cup has hit another glitch, following a disappointing display against the Cheetahs of Benin Republic.
The Benin vs Nigeria World Cup qualifier game, which was played in Abijan, ended in a disappointing 2-1 defeat for the Super Eagles.
Nigeria got off to a quick start, which yielded a goal in the 27th minute from a Raphael Oyedika strike.
The Super Eagles, however, slipped up in the later part of the first half, conceding two goals in quick succession as they ended the half trailing to the Cheetahs. The game would then remain that way, leaving the Super Eagles with just three points from four games.
Sports Buddy takes a look at each player’s rating, taking into consideration the overall squad performance.
Benin vs Nigeria: Players ratings
Stanley Nwabili – 6.3
The Super Eagles number one failed to make any notable saves, letting in two goals. As much as he could have done little or nothing to prevent the goals, he appeared indecisive in claiming crosses, which could have cost the team.
Benjamin Tanimu : 6.2
Tanimu was a suspect in the defense. The makeshift rightback failed to track his marker on different occasions and also did not contribute anything tangible going forward.
When deployed to the centerback role, he carelessly gave away a few passes in dagerous positions. He was also one of the players who was caught flat-footed at the near corner, leading to Benin’s second goal.
Bright Osayi-Samuel: 6.5
The Fernabache fullback was one of Nigeria’s best players in the first half. Having combined well with Lookman on the left flank a few times. He also had a decent attempt, which went off target. Osayi was caught out of position a few times; however, he found a way to recover thanks to his blistering pace.
The former Blackpool defender was later deployed to the right wing position in the second half before he was substituted off shortly after.
Semi Ajayi – 6.2
The Westbrom defender found it hard to replicate his impressive AFCON display as he appeared shaky in defence.
He had a hand in one of the goals conceded, failing to clear the ball, leading to Calvin Bassey’s error for the first goal. He also carelessly gave away some passes in dangerous areas.
Calvin Bassey – 5.6
The Fulham defender was a shadow of himself in the Benin vs Nigeria game. Having emerged as the major culprit for the first goal conceded by the Super Eagles, Bassey had a below par game.
He also failed to contribute anything tangible going forward, when deployed to the left flank in the second half.
Raphael Onyedika – 7.2
Arguably Super Eagles best performer of the day. Raphael Onyedika had a great first half while playing in the midfield with Iwobi and Ndidi. He scored Nigeria’s only goal of the game. However, the young midfielder was a culprit for the second goal conceded, as he failed to track his man, who flicked the ball to engineer Benin’s second goal.
Alex Iwobi- 6.4
Alex Iwobi had a decent first half, where he paired well with Onyedika to give Nigeria control in the midfield area.
However, the Fulham midfielder could not replicate his impressive display in the previous game against South Africa, as he failed to create chances while on the pitch. He was later subbed off in the second half.
Wilfred Ndidi – 6.2
Ndidi was average at best against Benin Republic. Following a decent first half, the Leicester midfielder lost control of the midfield in the second half and was easily beaten by a Benin attacker, which almost led to a goal. He was also one of the culprits for Benin’s second goal, as he was passive with his marking.
Samuel Chukwueze – 7.0
The AC Milan winger had an excellent game, giving the Benin defenders a hard time down the right flank. His effort was crowned with an assist, having made a beautiful run to beat his marker, setting up Onyedika in the 27th minute.
Ademola Lookman – 6.4
The Atalanta attacker struggled, failing to impose himself on the game. However, he had a couple of moments where he was involved in some moves that nearly yielded return.
Terem Moffi – 5.8
The Nice attacker was lost all through his stay on the pitch, as he hardly gave the Benin defenders reasons to worry. He was later subbed off in the second half.
Substitutes
Victor Okoh Boniface – 5
Terem Moffi was replaced by Boniface in the 55th minute, although he did not pose any threat to the Benin defense in any way.
Paul Onuachu – 5
Paul Onuachu was substituted for Alex Iwobi in the 55th minute, but the Super Eagles failed to use his height to their advantage as the giant attacker was starved of supplies.
Ismaila Sodiq – 5
Ismaila Sodiq took over from Bright Osayi; however, he made minimal contributions to the team’s offensive output.
Ibrahim Olawoyin – 5
In the sixtyth minute, Ibrahim Olawoyin took Samuel Chukueze’s place, but he didn’t play much.
Alhassan Yusuf – 5
Wilfred Ndidi was replaced by Alhassan Yusuf late in the second half, which was a little too late for him to create any form of impact.
