The Tremendous Eagles of Nigeria suffered a stunning defeat to the Cheetahs of Benin Republic in matchday 4 of their 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Soccernet.ng experiences.
Regardless of beginning robust with Raphael Onyedika’s beautiful strike giving Nigeria an early benefit, the sport took a flip when Jodel Dossou equalized, and Steve Mounie secured the win for Benin.
The disappointing efficiency has sparked questions inside the Nigerian soccer neighborhood relating to why the Tremendous Eagles squandered their possibilities to high the desk.
Listed here are Soccernet.ng’s participant scores primarily based on their performances on the pitch:
Stanley Nwabali – 5/10
Struggled to command his space and was unable to make essential saves when it mattered most.
Semi Ajayi – 5.5/10
Confirmed some strong defending however was a part of a backline that finally did not include Benin’s attackers.
Calvin Bassey – 4/10
A lackluster efficiency; struggled to maintain up with the tempo and was usually out of place.
Benjamin Taminu – 4.5/10
Had moments of excellent defending however was typically inconsistent and susceptible underneath strain.
Shiny Osayi-Samuel – 4/10
Didn’t make an affect each defensively and offensively, resulting in questions on his choice.
Raphael Onyedika – 7/10
The standout performer for Nigeria, scoring a implausible purpose and displaying nice vitality and willpower.
Wilfred Ndidi – 4/10
Uncharacteristically poor efficiency; failed to manage the midfield and was usually bypassed by Benin’s assaults.
Samuel Chukwueze – 5/10
Confirmed flashes of his ability however was largely ineffective and struggled to make a big affect.
Ademola Lookman – 6/10
Labored exhausting and tried to create alternatives however lacked the ultimate product to vary the sport.
Terem Moffi – 5/10
Had a number of good moments however was principally quiet and did not affect the sport.
Sodiq Ismail – 5/10
Got here on as an alternative however made little affect, struggling to get entangled within the play.
Ibrahim Olawoyin – 5/10
One other substitute who failed to vary the sport’s dynamics; struggled to search out his footing.
Paul Onuachu – 5/10
Didn’t make the specified affect after approaching, usually remoted and unable to hyperlink up with the midfield.
Victor Boniface – 5/10
Had restricted time to make an affect however didn’t present sufficient urgency or effectiveness when he did play.
The Tremendous Eagles might want to regroup and handle these points shortly in the event that they hope to show their fortunes round within the remaining qualifiers.
Ayomide Oguntimehin
Ayomide Oguntimehin is a CAF-accredited sports activities journalist and an Editor at Soccernet.ng, with a confirmed monitor document in conducting interviews with Tremendous Eagles stars similar to William Troost-Ekong, Taiwo Awoniyi, Shiny Osayi-Samuel, Ademola Lookman, and lots of others. He has additionally made a big affect in breaking switch information tales.
Grounded in video modifying, video journalism, social media administration, and content material technique, Ayomide brings a wealth of experience to his work.
With a Bachelor’s diploma in English Language from Adeyemi School of Schooling and a Grasp’s Diploma in College Library and Media Expertise from the College of Ibadan, Ayomide is well-prepared to excel within the discipline.