We know why we lost to Benin Republic, it won’t happen again – New votes from Super Eagles number 10

Three months ago, Nigeria’s Super Eagles suffered their first ever defeat to Benin Republic in a full international match when they were beaten 2-1 in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.

The two sides will meet again in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers this weekend at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, with Nigeria looking to exact revenge on their former coach Gernot Rohr’s side.

A much-changed Nigerian side with Austine Eguavoen now in charge as interim coach will hope to go one step better than the Finidi George-led side who suffered that defeat in their adopted home ground of Benin Republic in Ivory Coast.

Fisayo Dele-Bashiru was among the players involved in the unfortunate defeat, coming on as a second-half substitute due to a knock sustained in the previous match against South Africa, where he scored his first international goal for Nigeria.

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s match, the newly signed Lazio midfielder reveals why they lost that game and says they are highly unlikely to repeat the defeat. “I think we know why we lost the game in Ivory Coast. Maybe we were complacent and taking the lead didn’t help us show them (Benin) the respect they deserve,” he told OwnGoalNigeria.com.

“Our mentality is different now and our approach will be better too. I don’t see how they will beat us again, especially in front of our fans. The African Cup of Nations is a prestigious tournament and, like many African teams, we want to be there,” concluded the new number 10.