The Super Eagles Monday evening slipped in their bid to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a 2-1 defeat to Benin Republic in Abidjan.
The three-time African champions are winless in the qualifying series after four games.
The Super Eagles went a goal up through KRC Genk midfielder Raphael Onyedika three minutes before the half hour mark.
Onyedika fired home from the edge of the box after he was set up by Samuel Chukwueze.
The lead lasted nine minutes before Jodel Doussou equalised for the hosts.
A mistake from Calvin Bassey allowed the forward to race into Nigeria’s box and he fired the ball beyond Stanley Nwabali.
Steve Mounie scored the winning goal for Cheetahs in first half added time.
The Super Eagles toiled hard but failed to find the equalising goal after the break.