On June 11, 2024, Benin and Nigeria met in the fourth round of the group stage of the World Cup African qualifiers, and a dramatic battle ensued.
Soon after the start of the match, the Nigerian team was on fire, showing an attacking force that should not be underestimated. In the 28th minute, Chukwueze made a clever cross from the right and Onyedika quickly adjusted his pace and fired a powerful shot to give Nigeria a 1-0 lead. Nonetheless, Benin did not give up as they adjusted their strategy and fought back with all their might.
After only 9 minutes, Benin's persistence paid off. Jordel Dossou made a break in front of the goal and put a shot into the net to make it 1-1, a goal that not only boosted Benin's morale, but also made the game even more tense.
Towards the end of the first half, Benin once again went on the offensive. In the 45th+3rd minute, Olaitan took a corner kick from the right side and Moune made it 2-1 with a precise right-footed shot, completing Benin's turnaround and giving them the first glimmer of victory.
The second half was a white-hot competition between the two sides. Nigeria tried to turn the game around with a more aggressive attack, but Benin defended tightly and managed to withstand the Nigerian onslaught with excellent teamwork and indomitable fighting spirit.
In the 85th minute, Olawoyin sent a precise cross from the right, but the ball was cleared by a defender's timely header. In the 86th minute, Onuachu's header went over the crossbar. These two attacking chances could not be converted into goals, but they reflected the efforts of the Nigerian team in the second half.
The match came to a close with the referee's final whistle. Benin achieved a come-from-behind victory over Nigeria with a scoreline of 2-1 to win this crucial battle. Goals from Moune and Jordel Dossou were the key to the team's victory. Nigeria, on the other hand, despite leading in the first half, could not withstand Benin's counter-attacks and unfortunately lost.
