Nigeria vs Benin: Relive the 5 Most Intense Showdowns Between the Super Eagles and the Cheetahs!

On Tuesday, Nigeria will clash with Benin in their decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match, a high-stakes West African rivalry steeped in history, pride, and a quest for redemption.

The Super Eagles face a must-win scenario to keep their World Cup dreams alive, while Benin only needs to avoid defeat to retain their lead atop the group standings.

This encounter rarely carries such critical significance for both sides.

However, this pivotal fixture is just the latest chapter in a long-standing saga between Nigeria and Benin, marked by dominant performances and surprising upsets alike.

Since their inaugural meeting in 1977, which saw Nigeria triumph 7-0, the two teams have faced off 19 times. Nigeria has largely held the upper hand with 13 victories, three draws, and only two losses. Yet, embedded within these statistics are some of the most compelling stories in African football history.

Below, we highlight five of the most intense and defining clashes between the Super Eagles and Benin’s Cheetahs, showcasing the evolution of this fierce rivalry.

Nigeria 3-0 Benin, 1992 AFCON Qualifier (April 1991)

In the early 1990s, Nigeria was a team on the rise, blending emerging local talent with ambition to dominate African football. Benin, then nicknamed the ‘Squirrels,’ were eager but still finding their footing on the continental stage.

The two sides met in the qualifiers for the 1992 Africa Cup of Nations. Nigeria secured a narrow 1-0 away win in Cotonou, courtesy of Jatau Ishaya’s goal. The return leg in Lagos was a resounding statement.

By the half-hour mark, Nigeria had effectively sealed the match. Samson Siasia opened the scoring in the 3rd minute, followed by Friday Ekpo’s strike in the 20th, and Daniel Amokachi’s goal ten minutes later completed the dominant display.

This emphatic victory eliminated Benin from the competition, though it was soon eclipsed by Nigeria’s staggering 7-1 win over Burkina Faso a few months later.

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Nigeria 2-1 Benin, 2004 AFCON Group Stage (Tunisia)

Benin’s debut at the Africa Cup of Nations in 2004 was a baptism by fire, as they were drawn in the same group as Nigeria.

With Austin ‘Jay-Jay’ Okocha leading the Super Eagles, Nigeria entered the tournament as strong contenders. Benin, however, arrived as newcomers eager to prove themselves on the big stage.

Garba Lawal put Nigeria ahead before halftime, and John Utaka extended the lead after the break. Benin’s Moussa Latoundji scored late, but it was only a consolation.

The 2-1 result propelled Nigeria into the knockout rounds, while Benin exited without points. Nonetheless, their participation marked a significant milestone in their football development.

Nigeria 2-0 Benin, 2008 AFCON Group Stage (Ghana)

Four years later, Benin returned with renewed determination. Drawn once again with Nigeria, alongside Côte d’Ivoire and Mali, the Cheetahs sensed a chance to challenge the established order.

Under coach Berti Vogts, Nigeria struggled to find consistency. A draw or loss to Benin in their final group match would have meant an early exit.

In a tense encounter in Sekondi, Chelsea’s John Mikel Obi headed Nigeria into the lead in the 52nd minute.

Yakubu Aiyegbeni later secured the victory with a late goal, ensuring Nigeria’s progression to the quarter-finals.

Benin’s spirited performance demonstrated how much closer they were getting to matching Nigeria’s prowess.

Nigeria 1-0 Benin, 2010 AFCON Group Stage (Angola)

By 2010, Benin had shed their underdog status. Having faced Nigeria multiple times, they had learned how to frustrate their rivals effectively, as seen in Benguela.

After a disappointing 3-1 loss to Egypt in their opener, Nigeria needed a strong response. Benin, having drawn their first match 2-2, sensed an opportunity to capitalize.

The match was a fierce contest filled with physicality, tactical battles, and high tension.

Yakubu Aiyegbeni’s penalty just before halftime proved decisive, as Nigeria held on for a narrow 1-0 win that steadied their campaign. This gritty victory epitomized the intensity and unpredictability of African football rivalries.

Benin 2-1 Nigeria, 2024 World Cup Qualifier (Abidjan)

The dynamic between these two teams shifted dramatically in 2024 during the ongoing World Cup qualifiers.

Gernot Rohr, who previously guided Nigeria to World Cup and AFCON semi-final appearances, returned as Benin’s head coach and orchestrated a historic upset.

Raphael Onyedika put Nigeria ahead in the 26th minute, but Benin quickly responded with Jodel Dossou equalizing before Steve Mounié’s goal just before halftime sealed a 2-1 victory.

This marked Benin’s first-ever triumph over Nigeria. For Rohr, it was a moment of poetic justice; for Nigeria, a sobering reminder that past dominance does not guarantee future success.

Although Nigeria later avenged the defeat with a 3-0 win and a 1-1 draw in subsequent qualifiers, the loss in Abidjan remains a poignant chapter in their rivalry.