The Super Eagles smashed Benin Republic unbeaten home record after defeating the Squirrels by a lone goal during the 2022 African Cup of Nations qualifiers on Saturday in Port Novo.
KRC Genk of Belgium red-hot striker Paul Onuachu scored a late minute header to seal Super Eagles’ qualification in style.
The 28-year-old was initially placed on standby ahead of the double-header fixtures despite his blistering club form this season. But, was later called up to replace Ligue 1 forward Simon Moses.
Onuachu came on as a 71st minute substitute for Kelechi Iheanacho to grab the winning goal for Nigeria.
Benin Republic came into the encounter with so much enthusiasm, but failed to pick a win against the three-time African champions, who already gained qualification following a goalless encounter between Lesotho and Sierra Leone.
The Super Eagles are now four points clear of the Squirrels in Group L, as Benin fell to their first home defeat in 8 years.
However, the Beninoise will hope to turn things around when they battle the Leone Stars in three days time.
A draw would see coach Michel Dassuyer’s men qualify for the biennial tournament, while defeat may put them in a dicey situation.
The Squirrels now trail Nigeria by four points, and are two above their next opponent, who will need a win to progress.
Gernot Rohr’s men became the 17th country to qualify and will face the Crocodiles of Lesotho on the 30th of March to wrap up their campaign.
