Nigeria secured another massive three points as they qualify for the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) with a last gasp Paul Onuachu header securing a 1-0 victory for the Super Eagles against Benin at the Stade Charles de Gaulle on Saturday night.
Onuachu headed home from a goalmouth scramble in the 93rd minute as Super Eagles ended Benin’s eight-year home unbeaten record.
Super Eagles forward Henry Onyekuru had the visitor’s best chance in the first half but his effort was well kept out by Saturnin Allagbe.
Victor Osimhen who plies his trade in Italy with Napoli also came also came close with a fine effort before halftime.
Steve Mounie, the striker for the home side got two chances within a minute to put the hosts ahead but Maduka Okoye stood his ground in goal for Nigeria.
Osimhen also hit the upright early in the second half and could have put the Super Eagles in front while at the other end, Mounie was the culprit of another squandered opportunity as he failed to direct his header from Youssouf Assogba’s on target.
Onuachu replaced in form Leicester City striker Kelechi Iheanacho in the 70th minute and the tactical genius of Gernot Rohr paid off with the striker going on to score the winner.
Enyimba’s Anayo Iwuala also made his Super Eagles debut when he came on for Onyekuru nine minutes from time.
The Super Eagles still top Group L with 11 points from five matches, while Benin is in second place with seven points with Sierra Leone following closely in the third spot with four points.
Gernot Rohr’s men will host Lesotho in their final match of the qualifiers on Tuesday at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos.
Super Eagles to the world
Lucky win
Great