ANDREW EKEJIUBA
Just as expected by soccer fans in Nigeria and in Diaspora, Saturday’s 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier between Republic of Benin and Nigeria was a cracker, but thanks to Paul Onuachu’s last-gasp header which sealed victory for Super Eagles and also ended eight-year Squirrels unbeaten home record.
The match was played at the Stade Charles de Gaulle in Porto-Novo on Saturday evening.
The game appeared to be heading to a scoreless draw but the Genk striker towered above his marker to head home three minutes into stoppage time after an initial shot from Victor Osimhen was blocked.
The Super Eagles had already booked their place at the tournament earlier in the day after Sierra Leone could not salvage a win against Lesotho.
Benin goalkeeper Saturnin Allagbé thrice denied the trio of Kelechi Ihenacho, Henry Onyekuru and Osimhen.
The Benin side grew into the game in the second half after playing conservatively in the first stanza before the back-breaking goal.
With the victory, Nigeria have an unassailable lead at the top of the table with 11 points garnered after five matches and top Group L of Africa Cup of Nations qualifying regardless of what happens in their final match against Lesotho on March 30 at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos.