In the 4th round of the group stage of the African qualifiers for the World Cup on June 11, 2024, a heart-stopping clash took place between Benin and Nigeria.
Nigeria started the match like a hungry tiger, attacking like a tigress. In the 28th minute, Chukwueze crossed the ball and Onyedika fired a powerful shot through the opponent's goal to make it 1-0, a beautiful blitzkrieg by Nigeria. But Benin didn't give up as they quickly adjusted their strategy to turn the game around.
The turnaround came in the 37th minute. Jordel Dossou made a breakaway in front of the goal and pushed a shot into the goal, equalizing the score at 1-1 for Benin. The goal boosted Benin's morale and tightened the pace of the game.
In the extra time of the first half, Benin made more efforts. In the 45th and 3rd minute, Olaitan sent a precise corner kick to Mounie, who calmly shot the ball into the goal, 2-1, Benin's team went back to the lead, and the first signs of victory appeared.
In the second half, the players from both sides tried their best and Nigeria wanted to turn the tide by stepping up their attack, but Benin's defense was like a brick wall and they managed to withstand the Nigerian onslaught with their excellent teamwork and resilience.
In the 85th minute, Olawoyin crossed the ball from the right and the ball was cleared to the bottom line by a defender's header. In the 86th minute, Onuachu's header went over the crossbar. Although these two attacking chances could not be converted into goals, Nigeria's efforts in the second half were evident.
With a whistle from the referee, the match was over. Benin completed the comeback with a 2-1 win over Nigeria to win the crucial battle. Goals from Moune and Jordel Dossou were the key to the team's victory. Nigeria, on the other hand, despite leading at half-time, could not withstand Benin's fierce counter-attacks and lost.
