Benin’s 2026 World Cup qualification hopes were dashed after a 4-0 defeat to Nigeria’s Super Eagles on Tuesday. The match, which saw Victor Osimhen score a hat-trick and Frank Onyeka add another goal, marked a significant setback for the Benin team.
According to Benin coach Gernot Rohr, the team faced several challenges that contributed to their loss. Speaking at a post-match press conference in Uyo, Rohr noted that Nigeria’s playoff ambitions made them a tough opponent to beat. Additionally, Benin was without two suspended players and three injured players, which further weakened their lineup.
The Super Eagles’ early goal, scored in the third minute, put Benin on the back foot. Rohr questioned whether the goal was offside, but nonetheless acknowledged the difficulty his team faced in building a new defense due to yellow cards. The loss has ended Benin’s dreams of participating in the World Cup for the first time in their history.
Rohr expressed pride in his team’s performance despite the disappointment. He highlighted the challenges faced by the team, including a lack of high-level players, with some team members playing in the fifth division in France. Despite these limitations, the team had performed well in the qualifiers, keeping their World Cup hopes alive until the final game.
The defeat marks a significant milestone in the 2026 World Cup qualification process. Benin’s elimination underscores the competitive nature of the tournament, where teams must overcome numerous challenges to succeed. As the qualifying rounds continue, other teams will face similar tests of endurance and skill. For Benin, the focus will now shift to rebuilding and preparing for future tournaments.
