Match winner Paul Onuachu has said he believes the Super Eagles will be in Cameroon to be champions of Africa again, while also thanking the fans for pushing him to show his class in the national team.
Onuachu came off the bench to score a stoppage time winner for Nigeria to stop home team Benin and advance to the AFCON in Cameroon in January.
“We just have to go there and take the gold,” he declared.
The Genk giant striker was only good enough to be placed on standby list for these qualifiers despite his 27 goals in Belgium.
However, he was later drafted to the main squad after one of the original call-ups pulled out.
He said the fans clamour for his inclusion pushed him to do more in an Eagles shirt.
“Thank you to the nation, they pushed me to show what I have in the national team,” he acknowledged.
“I did it and I am so happy for the team and the country.
“It’s great for a striker to score.”
Nigeria Starting XI vs Benin (4-2-3-1) – Maduka Okoye – Zaidu Sanusi, Ola Aina (Chidozie Awaziem 83), Leon Balogun, William Ekong (Captain) – Wilfred Ndidi, Joe Aribo – Henry Onyekuru (Anayo Iwuala 81), Samuel Chukwueze, Kelechi Iheanacho (Paul Onuachu 70) – Victor Osimhen