Super Eagles head coach, Finidi George says poor defending and loss of concentration were responsible for his sideβs 2-1 defeat to Benin Republic.
The former African champions now have a mountain to climb in their bid to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after the shocking defeat.
Nigeria remain in fifth position in the Group C table with three points from four games.
It was the second time the Cheetahs would beat the Super Eagles in 17 meetings.
Gernot Rohrβs men top the standings with seven points.
βWe scored a good goal and after that we lost concentration, they got their equaliser and then they got their momentum,β Finidi said during his interaction with media after the game.
βWe didnβt defend well the long kick from the goalkeeper and they got their first goal.
βWe had control of the game, but we didnβt defend well.
βIf you donβt take your chances and donβt defend well in a World Cup qualifier, you pay for it.
βFirst half was good but for the goals (we conceded), while in the second half we pushed and defended well.β
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