On June 11, 2024, in the 4th round of the group stage of the World Cup qualifiers in Africa, the match between Benin and Nigeria was like a beacon of fire and passion.
Nigeria started the match like a horse out of control, with a strong desire to attack. In the 28th minute, Chukwueze skillfully crossed the ball to the right, where Onyedika made a slight adjustment and struck a powerful shot to give Nigeria a 1-0 lead. But Benin were not deterred by this lead as they quickly adjusted their strategy with the intention of turning the game around.
In the 37th minute, Benin finally turned the corner. Jordel Dossou made a breakaway in front of the goal and fired a quick shot into the net to equalize the score at 1-1. The goal not only boosted Benin's morale, but also made the game even more nerve-wracking.
In the first half of extra time, Benin was on the attack. In the 45th+3rd minute, Olaitan headed a corner kick to Mounie, who shot accurately with his right foot to put Benin back in front, 2-1.The goal not only put Benin ahead, but also gave them a glimpse of victory.
In the second half, both teams fought hard. The Nigerian team attempted to recover the deficit by stepping up their attack, but the Beninese defense was solid and with excellent teamwork and tenacity, they managed to withstand the onslaught of the Nigerian team.
In the 85th minute, Olawoyin crossed the ball from the right side, 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 chances could not be converted into goals, Nigeria's efforts in the second half were evident.
As the referee blew the whistle for the end of the match, Benin completed the comeback with a 2-1 win over Nigeria, a deserved victory in a crucial battle. Goals from Moune and Jordel Dossou were the key to the victory. Nigeria, on the other hand, took the lead at one stage but eventually failed to withstand Benin's counter-attacks and fell to a sorry defeat.
