Super Eagles defender Troost-Ekong gives two reasons for Nigeria's historic loss to Benin in June

Super Eagles defender William Troost-Ekong has shed light on the reasons for Nigeria's historic 2-1 loss to Benin's Cheetahs in a 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifying match in June 2024.

It marked the first time the three-time African champions had lost to Benin in an international match.

Nigeria initially took the lead with a goal from Raphael Onyedika, but Benin fought back with strikes from Jodel Dossou and Steve Mounie to secure a historic victory.

The defeat put Nigeria's chances of qualifying for the 2026 Fifa World Cup at risk and led to the resignation of Finidi George, who was the head coach of the Super Eagles at the time.

Speaking ahead of Nigeria's Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Benin, Troost-Ekong acknowledged the loss and outlined key factors behind the Super Eagles' defeat.

He pointed to the absence of several key players and the presence of a different coaching setup at the time.

"Yeah, I think there is always pressure especially like you said if they have beaten us before. I think going back to that game  I wasn't there personally in June," Troost-Ekong said at the pre-match press conference on Wednesday.

"We were missing some players who are normally playing; we also had a different coach at the time.

"So a lot of things have changed but that's another reason why I think we respect Benin because we know that when they play well and we don't play up to our standard then they can beat us."

Nigeria is scheduled to play against Benin on Thursday, November 14, at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny in Abidjan, Ivory Coast by 8 pm.

The Super Eagles, currently leading Group D with 10 points from four matches, need only a draw to secure their place in the tournament.

On the other hand, Benin, sitting in second with six points, is desperate for a win to keep their qualification hopes alive, adding further intensity to the fixture.

Adeyemi Adewale

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