Only a victory would have given Dario Gradi's side the chance of survival - but ex-Crewe striker Dele Adebola's header gave Coventry a first-half lead.
In the absence of Nigeria's World Cup goalkeeper, Dele Aiyenugba, who also plays his club football in Israel, is likely to step up for Sunday's match in Abuja.
Burly journeyman Dele Adebola proved to be a nuisance for defenders Danny Gabbidon and Herita Ilunga, while man-of-the-moment Lewis McGugan and Chris Cohen were beginning to combine well for the visitors on the right.