*Team Recites Old National Anthem Before 2-1 Loss To Benin

THE Super Eagles hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup appear very dim following their 2-1 loss to Republic of Benin in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire, on Monday, June 10.

Nigerian midfielder, Raphael Onyedika drew the first blood inside 29th minute, but Benin equalised few minutes after when a player with Nigerian blood running through his veins, Harold Oluwafemi Dossou, capitalised on a defensive error to slot the ball past goalie, Stanley Nwabali, for the hosts equalizer.

In the closing minutes of the first half, Brest of France forward and captain, Steve Bounie, latched on to a loose ball from a corner kick to put the hosts in the lead.

The Eagles managed to secure only one point from a possible six, following a 1-1 draw with South Africa in Uyo and the 2-1 loss to Benin in its third and fourth game in the qualifying series.

These results leave the Super Eagles with just three points from a possible 12.

    Meanwhile, the Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, has demanded a detailed technical report from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on the Super Eagles’ disappointing results in the qualifiers.

In a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Diana-Mary Nsan, the minister expressed dissatisfaction with the results, especially considering the support the NFF had received from the Federal Government.

“The recent results are unacceptable, in spite the immense support from President Bola Tinubu and the high expectations of Nigerian football fans, the Super Eagles have under-performed.

“The NFF must provide a comprehensive technical report explaining the reasons behind this poor showing and give cause why there mustn’t be consequences for the disappointment,” he said.

Enoh emphasised that Nigerian football fans demand and deserve answers and accountability from the NFF, noting: “Our supporters are passionate and devoted. They deserve an explanation for why our national team has not been performing to the expected standards since after the last AFCON.”  

Before the all-important match, the Super Eagles recited the ‘Arise O Compatriot’ anthem, instead of the newly signed ‘Nigeria We Hail Thee.’

But the NFF has blamed the Benin Republic football authorities for playing the old anthem for the Eagles to recite at the beginning of the match.