Benin vs Nigeria: Gernot Rohr proves a point, Finidi George in SOUP and 3 other things we learnt

Nigeria's hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup suffered a massive setback as they were stunned 2-1 by Benin in their crucial qualifier in Abidjan.

After taking an early lead through debutant Raphael Onyedika, the Super Eagles capitulated against the well-drilled Cheetahs to leave their campaign in disarray.

Here are five key lessons from the damaging defeat:

On a disappointing night for Nigeria, club Brugge defensive midfielder Raphael Onyedika was one bright spark.

The midfielder marked his first Super Eagles start under Finidi George with a fantastic opening goal, replicating Victor Boniface's trademark celebration.

He repaid Finidi George's faith after impressing as a substitute in the draw against South Africa.

Nigeria's hopes were undone by poor defending from set-pieces from the Super Eagles players.

From Calvin Bassey's reckless clearance for Benin's equaliser to Wilfred Ndidi and Onyedika's mix-up for the winner, it was an error-strewn performance at the back.

Benin Republic’s impressive Cheetahs had previously threatened from deadball situations that Nigeria got away with but the Eagles failed to heed the warning signs.

Former Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr, now managing Benin, masterminded the game plan that stunned his old employers

The Franco-German tactician proved a point about his quality after his five-year Nigeria tenure ended acrimoniously.

He showed the Super Eagles why he remains the last man to qualify the team for the World Cup with his tactical masterclass in Ivory Coast.

With just one point from his first two competitive games, Finidi George is already feeling the heat.

Nigeria's 2026 World Cup dream is hanging by a thread, piling immense pressure on the rookie manager after this damaging defeat.

Given the number of critics he had after getting the job, the former Enyimba man has not helped his case with some of his decisions and the results.

Despite Victor Boniface's prolific form, Finidi again opted to leave the Bayer Leverkusen hitman on the bench as the Super Eagles struggled to test Benin’s goalkeeper.

His decision to start Terem Moffi backfired as Nigeria's struggles with an out-and-out striker continued to haunt them.

Boniface came on later on but despite showing much promise compared to Moffi, the 23-year-old was unable to help save Nigeria’s blushes.