In the fourth round of the group stage of the 2024 FIFA World Cup African qualifiers, a passionate showdown took place between Benin and Nigeria.
At the beginning of the match, the Nigerian team was on fire and attacking. In the 28th minute, Chukwueze sent a pinpoint cross from the right and Onyedika got on the end of it and fired a shot to give Nigeria a 1-0 lead. Nonetheless, Benin did not give up as they quickly adjusted their strategy in a bid to turn things around.
The turnaround came in the 37th minute when Benin's Jordel Dossou made a breakaway in front of the net and put the ball in the back of the net to make the score 1-1, a goal that not only boosted Benin's morale, but also made the game even more exciting.
In the extra time of the first half, the Beninese team was once again on the move. In the 45th minute, Olaitan sent in a corner kick from the right side and Moune grabbed the ball and fired a powerful shot to make it 2-1.The goal not only gave Benin the lead, but also gave the victory.
In the second half, both teams fought to the death. The Nigerian team tried to intensify their attack, but the Beninese defense was solid and they managed to withstand the Nigerian onslaught with excellent teamwork and tenacity.
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. These two chances could not be converted into goals, but it was enough to prove the efforts of the Nigerian team in the second half.
As the referee blew the whistle for the end of the match, Benin completed the comeback with a 2-1 victory over Nigeria to win the crucial battle. Goals from Moune and Jordel Dossou were key to the team's victory. Nigeria, on the other hand, led at one point in the first half but were unable to withstand Benin's fierce counter-attacks and fell to an unfortunate defeat.
