Benin lead the Super Eagles 2-1 at the break in an important 2026 World Cup qualifier.
Raphael Onyedika with his first goal for #Nigeria.pic.twitter.com/Wojt65jrFT
— Oluwashina Okeleji (@oluwashina) June 10, 2024
Raphael Onyedika opened scoring for the Super Eagles in the 27th minute to crown a bright start for the visitors.
Samuel Chukwueze darted inside the box from the right flank before he found Onyedika on the edge of the box and the Club Brugge midfielder fired home an unstoppable shot beyond the diving Benin goalkeeper Marcel Dandjinou.
It was Onyedika’s first goal for the Super Eagles.
Benin drew level in the 36th minute, when Calvin Bassey failed to clear a long ball and Jodel Dossou sprinted clear to slot past Stanley Nwabali in the Nigeria goal.
The Cheetahs then went in front in stoppage time through skipper Steve Mounie.
It was a reward for their attacking play in the closing minutes of the first half as they surged forward after their equalizer.
Nigeria took the game to the home team from the first whistle as they looked the more dangerous team going forward.
In the 12th minute, Bright Osayi-Samuel playing at leftback let fly a shot, which missed target narrowly.
The Super Eagles have their backs to wall now.
Super Eagles Starting XI vs Benin (4-3-3)
Stanley Nwabali- Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Benjamin Taminu, Bright Osayi – Wilfred Ndidi (Captain), Raphael Onyedika, Alex Iwobi – Ademola Lookman, Terem Moffi, Samuel Chukwueze
