Super Eagles Head Coach, Finidi George has explained that poor defending and loss of concentration were the major factors that was responsible for his side’s 2-1 defeat to Benin Republic on Monday, 10 June 2024.

The three times African champions now have to work harder in their bid to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after the shocking defeat. Nigeria remains in fifth position in the Group C table with three points from four games.

Gernot Rohr’s men top the standings with seven points.

“We scored a good goal and after that we lost concentration, they got their equaliser and then they got their momentum,” Finidi said during his interaction with media after the game. We didn’t defend well the long kick from the goalkeeper and they got their first goal.”

He continued, “We had control of the game, but we didn’t defend well. If you don’t take your chances and don’t defend well in a World Cup qualifier, you pay for it.

“First half was good but for the goals (we conceded), while in the second half we pushed and defended well,” he added.

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