5 things we learnt in Super Eagles 1-0 win over Benin Republic

5 things we learnt in Super Eagles 1-0 win over Benin Republic

Akan Anwankwo
updated at April 12, 2023 at 7:47 PM

Paul Onuachu became a hero for Nigeria after scoring a late winner against Benin to hand Super Eagles a 1-0 win over Benin in Port Novo at the Stade de l'Amitie Stadium.

The three-time African champions had already booked a place in the AFCON 2022 tournament following the scoreless draw between Lesotho and Sierra Leone.

Gernot Rohr's men had to dig deep into the final three minutes added to the 90 before coming up with a goal.

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Here are the five things we learnt in the Benin vs Nigeria game in Port Novo

1. A better Super Eagles than the previous games

Nigeria recorded back-to-back draws against Sierra Leone in their last outings but against Benin, it was a different ball game.

The team was more organized going forward and spreading passes around the pitch but their opponents did not give them much space to operate.

2. The midfield pairing of Wilfred Ndidi and Joe Aribo

The combination of Wilfred Ndidi and Joe Aribo at the expense of Oghenekaro Etebo was a tactic that brought more spice into the attack.

Aribo was bold in his approach going forward while Ndidi did the mopping up and also added numbers in the attack.

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3. Paul Onuachu can be the next Yekini

Despite the controversies surrounding Onuachu's invitation by Rohr, the Genk striker proved he was relevant to the team.

His aerial prowess began to open up pocket of spaces in the attack and paid off at the end in the final seconds of the match.

4. Maduka Okoye is the future goalkeeper

It looks like the Super Eagles are now having a dependable hand in goal since Okoye found his way into the starting XI.

Though the Sparta Rotterdam shot-stopper had little to do in the game but he made key saves and showed his confidence while dealing with back passes.

5. Nigeria can go for glory at AFCON 2022

With the new crop of players added to the ones that have the experience, the Super Eagles can become a formidable side when they play in the next AFCON tournament in Cameroon.

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Meanwhile, Legit.ng had earlier reported that Paul Onuachu was not included in Super Eagles lineup as they file out against the Benin Republic in their AFCON 2022 qualifier at Port Novo.

The team list revealed an hour before kick-off as Leicester City striker Kelechi Iheanacho was paired with Napoli Victor Osimhen in the attack.

Maduka Okoye was given the nod as the number while Fulham's Ola Aina and FC Porto's Zaidu Sanusi will be in charge of the wing-backs.

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Akan Anwankwo photo
Akan Anwankwo
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Nigeria