On June 11, 2024 in the 4th round of the group stage of the World Cup African qualifiers, the Beninese international and the Nigerian Warriors engaged in an up and down battle.
At the beginning of the match, Nigeria attacked like a tiger. In the 28th minute alone, Chukwueze crossed the ball from the right and Onyedika quickly adjusted his position and fired a shot into the net to give Nigeria an early 1-0 lead. But Benin were not willing to go down without a fight as they quickly adjusted their strategy in a bid to turn the game around.
In the 37th minute, Benin's counter-attack finally came to fruition. Jordel Dossou made a breakaway in front of the goal and pushed the ball into the goal, equalizing the score at 1-1. This goal not only boosted Benin's morale, but also put the game into a whitewash.
Towards the end of the first half, Benin added to their lead. In the 45th+3rd minute, Olaitan sent in a precise corner kick, which Moune calmly pumped home to put Benin back in front 2-1 and the victory was on the line.
The game resumed and both sides fought tooth and nail. Nigeria tried to turn up the heat, but Benin's defense was like a brick wall and they managed to withstand the onslaught with excellent teamwork and indomitable fighting spirit.
In the 85th minute, Olawoyin's cross from the right was cleared off the line by a defender's header. In the 86th minute, Onuachu's header went over the crossbar. Although these attacks failed to translate into goals, Nigeria's efforts were evident.
The match was eventually brought to a close with a whistle from the referee. Benin completed the comeback with a 2-1 win over Nigeria to win the crucial battle. Goals from Moune and Jordel Dossou were responsible for the win. Nigeria, on the other hand, despite leading in the first half, could not withstand Benin's counter-attack and unfortunately swallowed the defeat.
