Benin pulled off a stunning upset, defeating Nigeria 2-1 in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, to claim top spot in Group C of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

The match, played at Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny, was one of many qualifiers hosted outside participating countries due to a CAF ban on stadiums failing to meet their upgraded standards. Benin, like 16 other member associations, is affected by this ruling.

Gernot Rohr’s Benin side capitalized on the opportunity, surging to the top of the group with seven points from four matches. Lesotho, previously in first place, dropped to second with five points after playing one fewer game.

Nigeria, despite taking an early lead through Raphael Onyedika, couldn’t hold on. Benin responded with goals from Jodel Dossou and Steve Mounié before halftime, leaving the Super Eagles searching for their first win in the qualifiers.

This result intensifies the pressure on Nigerian coach Finidi George, whose team remains winless after four matches.

For Gernot Rohr, the victory was particularly sweet. Fired by Nigeria in December 2021 after helping them claim the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations bronze medal, he now finds himself leading Benin to victory over his former team.

The race for group supremacy remains wide open. Bafana Bafana can climb to the top with a win over Zimbabwe on Tuesday. Lesotho will also be looking to regain the lead when they “host” Rwanda at Moses Mabhida Stadium on the same day.

Following these matches, the qualifiers will resume in March 2025. The battle for World Cup spots in Group C promises to be a thrilling one.