NIGERIA UNDERLINES SUPERIORITY OVER Benin Republic

Port Novo, Benin Republic:

Nigeria's Super Eagles underlined superiority in beating Benin Republic 1-0 in Port Novo, Benin Republic today after already qualifying for the finals of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Nigeria's superiority was never in doubt, in this game, and the score could have reflected a bigger margin. However, because Nigeria had already qualified before the opening whistle, it seemed that Benin Republic was going to be saved from the sword. Well, Benin was just a minute to celebration when Paul Onuachu popped up to score the winner in a scramble. For Onuachu, it was redemption after being vilified by Nigerian fans for tepid performances in recent games.

With nothing at stake for Nigeria, Coach Gernot Rohr uncharacteristically gave a debut to Anayo Iwuala [see Photo] of the locally-based Aba Enyimba. It was a reward following reports of astonishing performances in training. Iwuala was neither in Rohr's initial invitation list for the games nor was he slated on the replacement list. It was good fortune that he was called up, surely after an afterthought. Yet, he delivered with an exquisite performance that underlined his quality.

But it was not just Iwuala that delivered. Count the likes of Henry Onyekuru who earned a starting spot after Iwobi reportedly failed a Covid-19 test. Onyekuru impressed, proving a handful for the Beninois defense. He nearly marked the day with a goal but saw his header, from close, saved brilliantly into corner. Onyekuru was lively throughout the opening half and was always part of the Nigerian danger.

Overall, Nigeria dominated in a game that was slowed by the lack of urgency but at moments it was clear the gulf in class. It seemed that if Nigeria wanted, it could have struck a much higher gear as the Beninois seemed a stranger on their own ground. 

LINE-UP

Maduka Okoye -- Ola Aina (83rd Chiedozie Awaziem), William Ekong (cpt), Leon Balogun, Zaidu Sanusi -- Wilfred Ndidi (Booked 90+2) -- Samuel Chukwueze, Joseph Aribo, Henry Onyekuru (81st Anayo Iwuala) -- Kelechi Iheanacho (70th Paul Onuachu), Victor Osimhen.

LINE-UP (With Ratings)

Maduka Okoye (1) - 6.8 -- This kid has soared in confidence and clearly he has established himself as first choice. There were a few moments of worry in Nigeria's defense but Okoye dealt with each of them superbly.

Ola Aina (2) --6.0 -- Played reasonably well but there are moments when you wonder if he is full concentrating.

Leon Balogun (6) -- 6.2 -- Nothing remarkable as the Beninois presented very few anxious moments.

William Ekong (cpt -5) -- 6.2 -- See comment on Balogun.

Zaidu Sanusi (15) -- 6.8 -- This kid may well be the best defender the Super Eagles at the moment. His pace and his awareness was again at the fore.

Wilfred Ndidi (4) -- 6.4 -- This was not a game he dominated but he clearly brought back an assured game that had been missing in the last few Super Eagles games when he was absent.

Joseph Aribo (10) -- 7.0 -- Hurray!! Aribo finally demonstrated that he can be on top of his game against an African opposition. Aribo had appeared tentative against African opposition in previous appearances but certainly not this time.

Kelechi Iheanacho (14) --6.2 -- Kele hit a scorching first half shot that must have terrified the home team and he was lively but unable to add to his Nigerian tally of goals.

Samuel Chukwueze (17) -- 6.0 -- Chukwueze had moments but even those were few and his shooting left much to be desired. More importantly, he did not track back as needed at some moments of criticality.

Henry Onyekuru (11) -- 7.5 -- Although he faded late, he was clearly the most lively in the opening half. Henry was a surprise starter but Iwobi was ruled ineligible after the COVID test.

Victor Osimhen (9) -- 6.8 -- Victor was lively and there was genuine expectation that he was going to add to his tally of goals in this competition. He had a great chance after just 24 minutes but with space to run onto, he from distance and tamely at a surprised goalkeeper.

Subs:

Paul Onuachu (19) -- 6.5 -- Paul nodded home the decider in an injury time scramble. After months of questions from Nigerians, he pointed out that he belonged and it was his height and his header that, as is usual, the difference.

Anayo Iwuala (22) -- 6.4 -- Explosive talent who ran at the Beninois. This lad will to last long in Nigeria. He certainly is destined for Europe.

Chiedozie Awaziem (20) --X-- Too few minutes to rate.