AFCON: Super Eagles didn’t look promising… highlights of Benin vs Nigeria match

In their November 14, 2024, AFCON qualifier, Benin Republic played host to the Super Eagles of Nigeria in an intense match held at the Stade Felix Houphouet Boigny in Abidjan with the result ending in a 1-1 draw.

Benin took an early lead through a well-placed header by Mohamed Tijani in the 16th minute, exploiting their strong aerial play and physicality.

However, Nigeria responded with an aggressive pressing game, creating several chances, though they struggled with finishing in the first half. Victor Osimhen, who missed an earlier header, redeemed himself by scoring in the 81st minute, securing Nigeria’s equalizer and preserving their top spot in the group standings.

Gernot Rohr side who had lost by 3 goals to nothing in their previous encounter with the Super Eagles proved resilience and tenacity, ensuring a proper defensive line and employing subsequent counter-attacks throughout the game.

Hence, making it difficult for the Nigerian side to break through and come out with a much emphatic victory. However, Austin Eguavoen side didn’t look too promising in the game, perhaps for reasons of the news that they have secured the qualification ticket through the CAF verdict against Libya in October, 2024.

The Nigerian defense was not up to their usual best in keeping opponents attack at bay and allowed for a more resilient Benin side to take advantage. Moreover, the attacking line led by Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman didn’t prove more of a threat to the Benin defense by not taking up goal scoring chances which were provided by the mid-fielders and showing less clinical finishing.

Benin had some key players with standout performances from Tijani and Junior Olaitan, with the later receiving the man of the match award. Both showcased resilience and disrupted Nigeria’s buildup.

For Nigeria, Osimhen, and substitute Moses Simon were instrumental in the attack, with Simon’s cross setting up Osimhen’s equalizer and Gabriel Osho in partnership with Calvin Bassey held up the defense.

A notable controversial moment involved a missed header by Osimhen early on, and there was some heated play as Nigeria pushed for the draw.

Overall, the match was a fair result for both teams based on their performance. A win was highly expected from the Super Eagles who have an in-depth squad and more football experience but Benin proved otherwise, by showing resilience, perhaps some extra motivation from the previous encounter and the experience of Rohr who had in the past coach the Nigerian side.