Nigeria have successfully qualified for the next Africa Cup of Nations in group L of the qualifiers after they defeated hosts Benin 1-0 at Stade Charles de Gaulle in Porto-Novo on Saturday evening.
The Super Eagles’ qualification for the Afcon was confirmed before they even kicked off against the Squirrels, as an earlier 0-0 draw between Lesotho and Sierra Leone in Maseru ensured that the three-time African champions would end in the top two of the group.
The result in Porto-Novo, secured by a late winner from Paul Onuachu, then ensured that Benin were not able to book a Nations Cup ticket alongside Nigeria. The Squirrels’ fate will instead be determined by their final qualifier against Sierra Leone on Tuesday.
Nigeria enjoyed most of the possession in the opening quarter, though they were unable to create any notable chances. Benin mostly looked to sit back and hit on the break.
The first half ended 0-0, though Nigeria very nearly broke the deadlock in the final minute before the break.
The Squirrels made a change in midfield at the start of the second half, replacing Yohan Roche with Moise Adilehou, though Nigeria almost immediately created another great chance, from which Chukwueze blazed over from close range.
Onuachu scored deep into injury time. The striker headed home from close range after a goal-mouth scramble following a corner kick, handing Nigeria a dramatic but deserved win.
Credit: supersport.com
The post Nigeria’s late goal delays qualification for Benin appeared first on The Chronicle Online.
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